Had better luck today with Al Graspo. Main man Luca came out to greet us. Big beardy Italian chap. Told us to dump bike right outside restaurant on pavement so we could keep eye on luggage while we ate. Any bother from cops and he said we could just move it round the corner into his carpark.
There's no menu. Luca wanders down to the market every morning and picks up whatever fish looks good. He comes back and cooks it while his sons provide service. Really good service too.
They explained todays menu to us. It was a taster menu which they said was just like tapas. We'd sit out and enjoy a drink while they brought us a constant selection of small courses. And indeed they did. They had asked how hungry we were and we'd said so so. Don't stuff us but we were ready for food.
They then proceeded to bring us an endless stream of fine seafood. It was mint but we were fit to burst. And i certainly aint no stranger to food.
As course after course arrived Sam reminded me that we hadn't any idea how much this was costing us. And yesterday there was talk of 90 quid main courses.
We didn't have to worry. Food for 2 with a beer and a jug of water came to 40 odd euros. 40 for cash. In fact, he only takes cash so it was 40 anyway. It would of been 60 but we took a lighter option. How on earth anyone could manage any more is beyond us. Then he sent us on our travels with a complimentary bottle of wine. His own wine no less. Even has his face on the label. Which is obviously some guarantee around these parts of great wine. Probably a step up from DOC.
After food we rode straight over to Verona for a quick coffee before Sam's flight. It was on the way into Verona that we saw the finest sight yet this trip. And I doubt it will ever be beaten. It also made me feel some love for Harleys, which isn't something I'd ever expect to hear myself say.
A young chap was riding his Harley into Verona. No idea which model but one of the 'sporty' ones. Belt drive, no back rest or tassels or surplus crap. Nestled on the tiny pillion seat was his girlfriend. One buttock hugging each side of the seat, wearing skin tight leggings which obviously didn't have any support at all. Now to those of you not in the know, Harleys rattle and shake and pop. They're pretty medieval beasts. Every time the bike shook, so did her backside. Which was constantly.
It was like a rap video. Pure genius and kinda hypnotic. We followed them, the long way round, into Verona. Fighting for position at each set of lights with every other driver and biker who'd noticed this fine spectacle.
We eventually left them and peeled off for a coffee. I dumped the bike near the coffee shop where we could watch over it.
A copper on a moped soon clocked it and came over to make me move it on. You don't argue with the cops over here. Even the ones on mopeds have guns. Still, I can't believe I was rapped by a copper on a 50cc moped. Shameful.
Drank up and then delivered Sam safe and well to her flight home. Apparently Thomson get a big thumbs up. The flight was delayed by 30 mins so everyone got a complimentary snack box to keep them going. Staff were lovely and the whole process was delightful. Watch and learn Ryanair.
Cheers for everything Leeksie, that was a real pleasure. Shame you gotta go but catch you in a couple of weeks.
I decided to head north to the Dolomites and try lose some heat. Picked up the motorway and rode through the first rain I've actually seen this holiday. Only a brief shower and I could see it clearing further north east. Which it did. It actually cooled me down nicely so was a relief. Paid €8 toll then hit the Dolomite road.
When I tried paying the toll I realised Sam had left me one final parting shot. I'd taken my phone off divert and popped it in the map pocket incase Sam had any problems at the airport. I'd stuck the toll ticket in the map pocket too. When I tried paying I was reminded that phones destroy the strip on toll tickets. Bit of a messing around but all was soon sorted.
Arrived in Canazai about 7.30 and pulled into the same campsite we used last year. It's perfectly placed. Only real downside is the ground is rock hard so pitching a tent takes a bit of effort. Goes with the territory so no real problem.
It was also rammed with climbers but it is the weekend so expected.
When i woke up the following morning it was deserted so i moved my tent and staked out a huge pitch. Not quite towels on deck chairs but damn close.
174 miles
No comments:
Post a Comment