OUT OF ITALY

Ciao,
We left Venice on a warm, sunny morning and headed across the country towards Pegli, just south of Genoa. We found the sign to the campsite but there was a lively market in progress and the access road was double parked. Italians have no respect for rules of the road - always double parked, often driving on the wrong side usually because their take on the hands-free law is one hand on the mobile and the other gesticulating wildly out of the window!
Plan B (our contingency rather than the rapper) took us to a small site 20kms further south. An old crone approached us and said the proprietor had gone to lunch at 12 nd not yet returned (it was 5pm). We could not find a suiable pitch so after an epic 27 point turn we were on our way.
At this time of year few campsites are open and after another 50kms of driving down crowded narrow roads, the rain started. It was the worst I have experienced while driving and there was simply nowhere to stop.It shouldn't have been dark but the thunder, lightning and rivers for roads made or a scene of biblical proportions. Eventually, we spotted a campsite sign in Ceriale (too far to visit Genoa) but at least we were safe and sound. After reversing into a couple of trees we hooked up and had a warm beer at the barely open bar - they were not expecting any further guests that night.
We always make sure we have emergency rations in tins and plucked out one such bought in Germany. It depicted a smiling Bavarian, foaming beer in one hand and a hunk of bread by his side. Probably a warming sausage casserole.
Pauline announced it had an unusual taste. Indeed it did.Judicious use of herbs and citrus did little to mask the taste and texture. I haven't told Pauline but next day I translated the ingredients. We won't be having another lung stew any time soon!
Ceriale in sunlight the next day had little to tempt us so it was onwards to France and a small site at Villeneuve Loubet. Much happier and a view of a fish sculpture along the promenade at Cagnes sur Mer.

More next week.
Au revoir
J&P