Riding a plane with a the Beevor Boys is always a somewhat nerve racking endeavor and the success of which largely depends on the quality of the entertainment system on board. Fortunately Alitalia seems to have learned this lesson too and after 22 hours of unadulterated viewing we landed in Bari, via Rome, with some fairly wasted individuals!
As it turned out the plane journey was to be the easiest part of our journey. With only five parties ahead of us at the car rental line somehow over an hour passed before we arrived at the front. Slightly bizarrely before we arrived at this most converted of spots we were to receive an education in lining up in Italy. I had carelessly left about six inches between myself and the couple in front of me and so a random women felt that this was reserved for her. In true British passive aggressive behavior I cussed at her and cursed her family under my breath so in no way could she hear me. That would be poor form. As I was thinking about how uncouth the Italian line etiquette is and how good at lining up we are in England I was paralysed when I found out that this line jumper was in fact…..a Brit!
Anyway, it is all good. I am sure that there was a family emergency that she had to deal with etc etc etc and soon enough we would be at the front of the line. Another hour later we achieved our rightful place! As Camilla may tell you, I have been known to be strong headed, nay, stubborn. I consider this a virtuose characteristic that shows perseverance and determination however I was no match for the car rental staff who, despite C’s research in ensuring the car held our entire crew we were told we had booked the wrong car. No ifs ands or buts. The dispute finished with Italy maintinaing a firm upper hand and us being several hundred euro worse off. Just incase we thought that we were about to be on our way, as we walked about 3/4 of a mile to the parking lot where we would wait another 40 minutes we heard thunder and then felt rain in a part of the country that apparently has no rain! An interesting start that would be put right when we met our empathetic hosts Gina and Juiseppe at our new home at the trullo.
❤️
Gracie!!