Casa Bianca

10 July
Casa Bianca

After a swim in the ocean and a wholesome breakfast we went in search of another coastal destination. Our wallet needed to be replenished – so an hour into the drive we looked for a bancomat (trans. ATM) and we needed diesel. As we were on the toll road we stopped at many a petrol station. Nothing. The funny thing in Italy is – that most people want you to pay in cash. Then, when paying by cash, they are very particular in change and hate to part with any of their float. To top it all off there seems to be no banks around. So we punched into our tomtom for a bank. With just enough money to get off the toll road, the tomtom proceeded to take us through farm and mountain and finally at the very peak to a tiny (and I mean tiny) little town. It was called Tontorino. As picturesque that it was – it had one ATM. Only one. To top this all off – it was offline for international transactions.

Another strange thing is, is between the hours of 1.30 to 3.30 most places close. For lunch, a sleep and I only hope a shower (as it is scorching everywhere). Even the ATM's take a break. On arrival at the next bancomat (which was also hugely off the chart – thanks, tomtom) the time was 2.58. Nick placed our plastic into the teller. Nothing. No lights – nothing. He walked away. Then decided, it has got to work! Two hours of searching of a bank is not fun. He turned back. As Nick stood there, the lights started to work and in a shudder of technology the machine was working. It was 3pm on the dot.

TIP: Always make sure you have extra cash on you – tucked away.

Ruby ambled on along the coast (no more tollroads). As the day was almost over we looked for a site but preferred parcheggio (trans. parking lot/potential free camp). With no luck we turned into a site.

It turned out to be the best parcheggio ever. Not a campsite. Yet it had toilet and shower facilities. Not great but manageable. Direct access to the beach. With rentable umbrellas and deckchairs. Grassed sites, a little tight but okay for one night. And – even evening entertainment. For 15 Euro's!! per site, regardless the number of people in your van. Very friendly onsite staff too.

We went straight to the beach and swam. The cool sea breeze was welcomed whilst we cooked dinner and enjoyed a glass of white wine.