Week 4

14 May to 21 May

Elba and Rome

We've been on Elba for a week in total. Mostly we just enjoyed the local beach but did manage to tear ourselves away a couple of times to explore other parts of the Island. We discovered some spectacular hill-top views and amazing towns and castles perched up high with stunning panoramic views of the coastline with mainland Italy hazy in the distance.

Evening view from the van

We spent an afternoon in the local town of Porto Azzuro. It was a beautiful little place with cobbled streets, alleyways and window boxes bursting with geraniums crammed into every available space outside every house and restaurant. It was a great place to meander, popping into back-street delis to buy fresh bread, fruit and cheese and browsing the chic boutiques. It was also the perfect place for another ice cream which we ate overlooking the harbour watching the super snazzy yachts hang out.

Views across Elba

Finally it was time to move on. Our next destination was Trevignano on the shores of Lago di Bracciano, about 50 minutes outside Rome. We came here to visit Kate's cousin, Emma and her husband Stef, who has been living in Italy for the last five years and have two beautiful girls similar ages to Zach and Louis. As we headed towards Rome it was really fascinating how the landscape changed. Coming off the motorway and on to smaller roads, we passed ruins that gave us a strong sense of Roman history. We were also amazed at the surrounding fields which were shockingly red with millions of poppies. We had a fabulous time with Emma, Stef, and the girls and we also managed to catch up with Kates Aunt and Uncle on the last day of their holiday. Zach and Louis really enjoyed the company of English speaking children but also the array of new toys and a safe garden to run-around in.

Family

Children playing with Mummy's cousin's children - what does that make them?!

We had found another fantastic camping location right by the lake and nestled ourselves under some amazing trees that lined it. They spilled out pollen like candyfloss and the ground was thick with, what felt like fluffy cotton wool. The children might have thought they were in heaven and could have been walking on clouds except that Zach was sure it was bubbles. After a few days however the stuff was getting blown everywhere - up our noses was particularly unpleasant - and we were far less enthusiastic.

Louis and swan

Louis lakeside

We took a drive around the lake. It really is a very beautiful place. As we visited one of the lake's beaches one afternoon we came across numerous diving classes, up and down the beach which Zach and Louis found extremely exciting as one of the books we have with us is about Dougal the Deep Sea Diver. It was easy to see how the lake plays host to some pretty swanky people. The Castle Odescalchi above it in the town of Bracciano. hosted Tom & Katie's (Cruise) wedding and next month Will Smith is due to renew his vows there after ten years of marriage. Apparently the local Italians were less than impressed with the celebrity lockdown last time and are equally less impressed by the forthcoming event. Alas we have to pass on being around for such a joyous occasion as we are off to the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Naples. Sorry Will!

Top three things this week
Elba
Soft play area for the children on the Ferry from Elba to the mainland. We don't think they even noticed they were on a boat!
Lake life

Distance travelled since UK: 1322 miles, plus some nautical miles, via the ferry
Time spent driving about (total): 36 hours 54 minutes

Strangest Experience
English company and the children playing and talking as if we were all back at home enjoying summer in England - warm, blue skys and sunshine!!! (or not as the case may be!)

Other pictures we like this week