We had a wonderful time on Sardegna with Gabriele and Jurgen. Just the right amount of anchoring and quayside time – not so busy other than a lot of catamarans on the water. Big ones too – where have they all come from? It’s now that 60ft is the minimum up to 80ft – very comfortable and crewed – which is better for everyone.
We sailed over to Porto Vecchio on the south east coast of Corsica. We have been here several times and we really like it. The marina is great although you can easily anchor if you want. And – most important – the marina has a Lavanderia – fantastic – a chance to get all the laundry done and make everything fresh again.
They have a small electric bus here that circles continuously from the Port up to the walled town – it’s free and popular – especially around 7pm when everyone is heading out for aperitif and dinner – it’s a great service. We chose to walk down after dinner – too many people waiting and it’s only a 10 minute downhill walk to the boat.
We sailed up the east coast of Corsica. It never rates much of a mention but in fact it was very interesting. Long beaches, small towns and vineyards along the hillside. Areas that are cultivated. While the west coast is dominated by the alps and at times access to the beach is limited, the east coast is much softer, gentler and the villages sit both down at the water for summer and higher up for winter. Corsica has ben run by the French since 1768 but it has a very Italian feel – and the language is an interesting combination of French and Italian. Tall Church spires show you the enclaves – and there are lots. A great place for a road trip – and the roads are very good. Tomorrow we sail to Elba – it’s time to meet the kids. They are arriving from Rome in a couple of days and we have preparations to make.
The kids are ariving from Rome and they are having the journey from hell. Starting with a delay in their flight from Melbourne and now a can celled train to Piombino to get them to Elba. Combined with no help, a lack of information and tiredness -they are done! Their 2 hour train trip turned into a train trip then a bus replacement and finally to Campiglia – and 8 hours later we are all back on Elba. Their little House we have rented for the week is great and we have Marley down the road in the Marina. There is a lovely beach here for kids and the village is really nice. Weather is looking perfect so now we can all relax and enjoy. This is the first time on board for the kids – netting and life vests in place – dinghy ready to zoom. it will be fun.
Our next itinerary is to head to Pisa. We have rented a 9 seater van to pick up at Pisa Aeroporto. Two nights in Pisa first. What a surprise. To see the Leaning Tower is one thing but Pisa is fabulous. It is a University town – around 55,000 students – and very energetic, medieval and multicultural.
We have our van – a Fiat Ulysses – very comfortable indeed and great to drive. We are heading for Lucca where we will spend a couple of nights inside the old town. En route we stopped at the Natural History Museum outside of Pisa. In the most beautiful 15th century monastery – the kids had a ball.
The Museum is run by the University of Pisa and houses collections of there Natural world from several patrons. It began at the end of the 16th century as an annexe to the Botanical gardens in Pisa.
Lucca was fun and easy. Compared to the bigger city energy of Pisa, Lucca is much more low key – very geared to the tourist and there are plenty but not too many. School has gone back and the ‘older tourist’ is now about plus the couple with a new baby or those expecting a baby. We are the same the world round. Now we head into the hills behind Firenze but first stop is Panzano where we are meeting up with a large group of Architects from Melbourne – Antica Macelleria di Cecchino – famous for his, Dario’s – trumpet performance and the whole experience of a ‘nose to tail’ lunch. 27 of us, 10 courses – it was full on, lots of fun and delicious – thank you Callum Fraser
Now to the Castello di Montegufoni – in the mountains behind Firenze. Close enough to drive into Firenze, Siena and any where else we would like to see. The Castello does not disappoint. Tom and Bec and the kids have an enormous apartment with 4 poster beds – huge living areas and beautiful views over the countryside. You feel as if you have stepped back in time – it’s beautiful and enchanting.
We have 5 days here before the kids head back to Rome and then fly home.
Ciao for now xx
thank you for sharing Jane I am following along with the joy of seeing so much beauty and interest combined! Looks fabulous! Hx