We have had a pretty busy and non-stop couple of weeks. Italy is proving to be one massive adventure and considering neither of us have been here before or knew what to expect, I think we’re doing okay.

We left Pisa to do a couple of days in Viareggio and enjoy the beach. That turned into 5 very hot, very exhausting, but very fun days as we just couldn’t get the energy to leave. The beach was busy, but not so busy that we couldn’t find a place to park our towels, and the town was really nice, very touristy in the beach getaway sense – a holiday from our holiday.

We spent many hours getting our asses kicked by the waves in the sea, Luke obviously turned into Aquaman, proving there’s no challenge he’s not up for, while I quit the waves early as getting hit with a constant barrage of salt and sand tired me out.

We stayed at Campeggio Paradiso, a really fun campsite with all the amenities, some questionable evening entertainment, but a fantastic walk through a pine forest to get to the beach.

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But the holiday had to end so we drove inland to Florence and explored the great old city filled with cathedrals, churches, squares, statues amongst countless bars and restaurants. Because we’re uncultured swine (and the queues were too long) we didn’t actually go into any galleries or museums, just appreciated them from where we could see them and then after another day of walking we found The Monkey Bar. A simple, understated but really friendly place with the nicest staff and blow up bananas outside. To get away from the touristy places, I would 100% recommend it for a chilled out beer and music.

We sat through quite a few thunderstorms, which you’d think would be a welcome break from the heat, but it’s not like back home where it clears the air, it just gets hotter as soon as the rain disappears. For anyone planning on doing what we’re doing…. prepare yourself with plenty of cold water, fans and comfortable shoes! As a city though, Florence is amazing, and there is too much to do and see in a couple of days, it really needs longer, but we had to push on.

A Few Thoughts so Far

• Should have worn walking boots. Everywhere. I think we’ve racked up nearly 200 miles so far. Not complaining about the fitness aspect, but if you want ripped up feet, sure, wear slides all day. (My mistake)
• Just Eat delivers to campsites. Just saying.
• We may have packed too much in the van. I haven’t even managed to find time to paint. We have too many inflatables and we’ve used the same two pans to cook this whole time. Pack lightly.
• If you accidently buy fizzy water – gross – save it and use it for boiling water and brushing teeth. Works really well.
• Should have brought a little hoover. I deep clean the van at least once a week. We have little parts of Italy and France deeply embedded in all corners that a brush won’t reach.
• Don’t forget your mask! We’ve got quite good at it now, but everywhere requires a mask and Italians have got it down. We have had too many days of walking out and then exclaiming “MASKS!” when we realise we’ve forgotten them half way down the road.
• I think we’ve both started to learn to really enjoy the little things. This trip could be over any day really due to Covid-19 cases rising all over Europe, and we really don’t want it to end.