this early on and we realise we have snagged it big time
our want was to settle into the groove of an italian community
with visits to large cities to be done by choice and not by default
our 2 level house is sparse, clean, comfortable and welcoming
windows and doors opening onto scenes of rural and town life
glazed brick pavers underfoot, tall ceilings, low lights, fans
several shops close by with a plentiful supply of fresh food
watermelons a staple as are rich red tomatoes and green olives
and an enticing choice of bread, cheese, smallgoods and wine
so domestically we have mana - our environs - dintorni - beckon
our link there is to be provided by the rental vehicle we have taken
booked for the duration of our stay - a near new silver-grey fiat 500
initial reservations about it's small size dispelled within about 1 minute
our baggage easily stowed and with room to spare on the back seat
unusually a driver's seat that has more slide movement than is needed
head-space plenty - engine - responsive - air-conditioning - adequate
it is as nimble to drive as expected and well suited to the narrow roads
small cars dominate in this country - and the fiat 500 is a favourite
a multitude of colours, trims and wheels making each one unique
so yes - happy with our choice and sure to serve us well for 60 days
today we have decided to board said vehicle and push out further
we have a few tips from evelina to chase down with google maps
first up - a nature reserve alongside the tiber river in the valley below
our town - torrita tiberina - is a hilltop castle with surrounding houses
the next town - nazzano - same deal and a 5 minute drive in bambino
as we cruise into that town we realise it is larger and needs investigation
another time - for today we are in search of the adjacent nature reserve
google maps - an amazing tool - but sometimes dependence is punished
in this case we 'have arrived at your destination' but nothing is in sight
except for the river and surrounds way off at the bottom of the hill
ah - google has got as close as it can on mapped roads - good luck
anyway just like the good old days a bit of intuition has to kick in
we then find a downward heading road/path and take the descent
drawing closer and some encouraging (italian) signs are spotted
so too are large potholes in the road so careful negotiation required
and then - a clearing - a few cars, benches, people and cruise boats
memories of a trip in kakadu national park are evoked with this setting
700 hectares of waterways, flora and fauna that will require a return visit
but today we want to go further so we push on up again and head west
it is hot and we have advice of a fresh-water swimming pool in the area
this time trip advisor is consulted and it pops up a couple of nearby options
good one - load the nearest into google maps and off we go - we are yours
but same story - what google claims to be our destination is a back lane
no swimming pool in sight - ok - let's try the next one - the same deal
just as well we are enjoying cruising around the roads of the area
we're getting well used to driving on the right in a left hand drive
we put this whole exercise down to experience and hit it for home
and lo and behold we pass a swimming pool down a hill in trees
drive in, park, walk, check the ticket prices and the pool itself
a combination of price and too many kids puts us off the idea
so we pass on the piscine and head for home and relaxation
an early dinner and an early night now becoming habitual...
