Onwards and upwards...... (In a North Westerly direction actually!)

It's the first of June, we have been away for a month and we are looking for peace and tranquility, we find it in the form of Camping Monte de Sole a campsite buried in the countryside about 50km north of Rome and close to a city perched on a hilltop called Narni.

And what a wonderful three days we had and what lovely people we met.

It all started when we arrived  being greeting by our campsite owner Angela Rosa - a charming lady who spoke excellent English and was exceedingly welcoming.

Pitched opposite us was a lovely family in their motorhome - Dan and Grace with their 3 young boys and another one on the way in 3 months - now that's what I call adventurous! They were on their way back from Sicily. Sadly for the little ones the lovely site pool was yet to be opened as it's too early in the season despite the temperature going up to over 30* during our stay, but they did enjoy the playground. Dan and Grace are seasoned travellers having toured Europe and beyond on their motorbike before the kids arrived, so took the whole adventure in their stride; I have to say I find looking after the 2 of us tiring enough so I don't know how they did it!

Our first day we cycled to Narni - a fascinating old city atop a hill with an imposing castle at the very top. Everywhere were ancient buildings, fountains and churches and we were well informed with the useful booklet given to us by Angela Rosa.

Later  that day Paul arrived in his motorhome and we soon got chatting, he is travelling on his own, having retired young, sold up, bought a motorhome and now he spends his life touring Europe. Keith and Paul were soon exchanging ideas about all the gadgets you can install in a motorhome, we spent the next 3 evenings supping beer and exchanging travel stories. Over the next few days we also walked to a Roman church and along the forest trail to Narni with Paul.

And then joining us on the site came Tommy his wife Cathy, their daughter Chantel and boyfriend Lee who are touring Europe and Italy in a motorhome having travelled from their home in South Africa (not by Motorhome!) they soon made friends with us all and we heard all about their life in South Africa and all their travelling adventures. Tommy is a Scot but moved to South Africa over 40 years ago but he hasn't lost his Scottish accent and a love for single malt, the family make sure they have regular 'whisky moments' along the way

We all enjoyed their stories and were most amused that in touring Italy they had Pizza in Pisa, Bolognese in Bologna and Parma ham in Parma! Sadly they only stayed one night leaving in the morning to take the motorhome back to Rome and stay in a flat for 4 days before flying home to SA. I wonder what they had to eat in Rome? What do you think?

Keith and Paul having a T-cut moment!!!!!

We enjoyed our stay on this site so much, it was incredibly peaceful as well as having plenty of places to visit nearby, but most of all we enjoyed the company of our new friends. Angela Rosa called our part of the campsite 'Little England'! On our last night she brought over to us a half carafe of delicious chilled white wine to enjoy with our evening meal as a 'Thank you' - what a lovely gesture. I have to say that we have never encountered such friendliness and generosity on campsites in other countries as we have had here in Italy, it has made this trip really special.

Our next stop will be near Florence on a site not far from the town of Vinci - the birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci