not the day nor the destination we planned but that's ok
anzio was the target - a coastal town south-west of rome
for the sake of expediency we hit the autostrade in bambino
but uh-oh there's a couple of warning lights and a power issue
we decide to divert to the car pickup point at ciampino airport
there - scusa - you will need to take the car to fumicino airport
which is a 40 minute drive from the south of rome to the west
fumicino is a huge airport and europcar are 3rd floor building b
once there the chaps are on-side and agree to an instant car-swap
we bid farewell to our fiat 500 and acquaint with a citreon c1
not sure about that deal but no issue to be made and off we go
but back on the autostrade doubts creep in about the documents
and a decision to return - but - a misread leads to a long diversion
it's all getting a bit tiresome by the time we get back and all sorted
enough to scupper plans for anzio and invoke plan b - bocchignano
already on the list for another day and close-ish to home so selected
and a nice drive too - it's a remote town requiring some hill-work
which is a good test for the c1 and confirmation of it's peugeot links
it handles really well, has a clear engine roar and is very comfortable
we'll take it - we rock up to bocchignano very tired, hot and thirsty
it's a small town but the cafe is open so it's cafe freddos all round
a walk up a steep ramp to the old town entrance is demanding
but worth the effort - again - as we enter another olde world
it has been a voyage of discovery with these hilltop 'hoods
walking indiscriminately around the streets of their towns
we spot the odd person here or there but we are left alone
it is siesta time but this town seems to be mostly abandoned
and more 'vendere' signs than usual on windows of homes
a sense that here the community has moved on and out
though a trail of signs indicate an upcoming music night
which is added into the mix of our busy social calendar
15 minutes wandering and the stress of this day is relieved
back into bebe and point the directions to torrita tiberina
an enjoyable drive from a different direction to home town
along the way passing through other towns yet to be visited
it's another beautiful evening in this current hot summer
cold olives, tomatoes and wine lead to a seafood vongole
compensated for with the now established walking circuit
the views from the highest point now a nightly highlight...
