the days are numbered so we need to pack in a few trips
today - anzio - a town on the coast south-west from rome
via frascati - kind of in that direction and on the to-visit list
admittedly the appeal there being the town named after a wine
or most likely this popular wine named after the region it is from
the usual easy drive down the autostrade and then a gentle climb
the road passing through large areas of vineyards towards the town
it's a large town and looking very quiet early on this sunday morning
we see a sign pointing to a villa so we drive even further up a road
surrounded by trees and a huge wall makes it a little bit daunting
but at the top we arrive into the carpark of the villa now a hotel
we are not alone - plenty of cars - but no humans seen anywhere
so the views are taken in and admired before a return to the town
we find the main piazza and enjoy savouries and a glass of frascati
a nice chilled white wine that we think is similar to nz pinot gris
setting us up for a wander around to check out the town and views
the church bells are tolling and more people are now strolling (groan)
our impression is that most people are locals enjoying the sunny-day
good-o - tick - and moving on - back in the car and heading west
anzio is a popular seaside town on the coast south west from rome
today is a sunny and hot sunday in peak holiday season in italy
so you would expect the beach to be a popular place to hang out
yep - we cruise around and eventually and luckily score a carpark
the neighbouring beach is dominated by matching sun umbrellas
each umbrella sheltering a family or couple from the harsh sun
a few people in the water but most are just lounging or playing
we take refuge in a bar and watch over some cool refreshments
the urge to get in the water waning as we look for an entry point
pass - instead we walk along the beachfront towards the old town
it's a busy marina here with ferries loading for island excursions
also a line-up of mostly empty, large and unappealing restaurants
the walk around the town confirming it is not premium real estate
a feeling this stretch of coastline is home to average italian families
good to see so many enjoying this amazing summer - we move on
we finally made it to anzio on attempt number 4 - tick that box
let's head to rome for the evening - not many of those left here
as we get closer a decision is made - na - let's head home instead
it's the 3rd night of the torrita tiberina festival so we'll party there
good call as we then observe a gridlocked freeway into rome
back at party central once again we enjoy some local food
we have a table right at the front ready for tonight's show
which starts well enough - dancers, a band and loud music
a tina turner tribute act cranks up the crowd for the main man
with him onstage it takes only a few seconds to lose interest
a sad case of a once-popular star now milking the live circuit?
he fluffs his lines, looks dodgy and takes himself too seriously
a few songs tolerated before we slip away and return to home
but our pad is very close so there's no escaping the loud music
which goes on...and on...and on...into the hot and still night
damn - plans for a good sleep prior to the next big day thwarted....
