Fellow tourists recommended we visit Santa Margherita and Portofino . . . . so why not!?!

 

We parked Bruce in the day carpark, grabbed our bikes and cycled down to the Mediterranean coast, passing Christopher Columbus and Vittorio Emmanuelle looking important and grand.

The view from our bike of the ocean and marina was spectacular. Private beaches (bagni) have gates here.

Traveling south, we head towards the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. We planned to do a drive-past of this iconic tower, however this goes pear-shaped when we realise that the road goes on the opposite side. When Bev finaly spots the tower and clicks the camera, Bruce hits a pothole (not the only one in Italy!!) and this is the amazing photo!!?!?!

Bruce takes us next through the rolling hills of Tuscany to the village of Lucca.

We ride past Puccini and Luigi Bochini looking important.

Bev has found inspiration for her next flower boxes.

We bike rode to the place where the ancient Roman Amphitheater was – it held 10,000 spectators in its day!.

An Italian ambulance flies past us at breakneck speed with ear deafening sirens!
After Mark purchases his new dressing gown,

we decide it is time for lunch! We are taste testing our way thorough Italy. Mark has chosen to rate as many Capricciosa pizzas as he can and likewise, Bev is doing food reviews on Bruschettas – gotta love those tomatoes!! This pizza only rated 6/10 and the bruschetta rated 7/10 (they failed to add Olive Oil!!). The Moretti beer washed it all down nicely though.

Our next overnight stay in Parco Prehistorica in the rural hilltop village of Peccioli was a delight.

We rocked up in Bruce to our overnight approved camperstop which was absolutely packed with families on a Sunday picnic. Our spot was by day a park and picnic area for the Dinosaur Park. Lots of interesting sights in the little village! How beautiful are these bird sculptures.

The village church on Sunday had what looked like a family craft afternoon! The kids created this fantastic Christmas tree out of egg cartons and the snowman out of plastic cups. Not sure why there are Christmas themes in May??

Bev could not resist a photo of these cute local girls dressed up in their Sunday best.

After the crowds had deserted the picnic area and carpark we discovered they had kindly left behind their birthday decorations. Great!! We were able to use them to send our daughter Whitney her 24th birthday message. BUON COMPLEANNO WHITNEY!!