Guest Column

Towards the end of October, Elaine's parents visited us during a touring holiday of Italy.  Clive, Elaine's dad tells the story . . .

We arrived at Portoferrio harbour on the island of Elba at around 5pm and as I looked over the side of the ferry to look for signs of Chris and Elaine, there, right below I heard C+E call. It was great to see their smiling faces and how well they looked! I had left Val with our luggage and when she saw me wave, couldn't wait to come over to wave too. We made our way down to disembark and greet properly. C+E then helped us with our case and backpack as we strolled to the marina and to board our home for the next few days.

Chris prepared an evening meal, very impressed, as we sat and chatted. The meal was excellent and washed down with delightful wine. A couple of beers and we all turned in at about 23.00 hrs. We surfaced at 7am, had breakfast, then went for a stroll around town. Up above the harbour we came across the house where Napoleon stayed in exile. We took a photo of the house and several others of views across the town and bay. In the marina complex Chris pointed out to us the new Italian entry for the Americas Cup. It had a very tall mast and the keel was a huge mould of lead which we estimated weighing 20 tonnes. I later went out to the Co-op store to buy a few beers etc. C+E had warned me to pick up a carrier bag before paying at the checkout as they make a small charge for them here. However, I still managed to hold up the queue by not weighing the grapes and putting a sticker on the bag with the weight and price.

In the evening we went out and had fun trying to decide what to eat once we had translated the menu. The first course consisted of rice and potato balls, mushrooms etc. Chris and I chose a mixed grill for our main course and it was served on a large wooden platter, which we both ate from. The pork was very tasty as was the sausage, the steak was too rare for me and the mushrooms were for decoration as they were raw. There was a very dark piece of meat that Chris & I thought was very strong and gamey. The following day, Val & I were looking round the supermarket and on a shelf in the meat fridge we saw some packets of meat that looked very much like we were served the previous evening. OSTRICH ! ! ! I think if it was made into sausage meat with other filling it would be more palatable. While the bill was being prepared we were given, on the house, a small glass of liqueur, which was quite sweet but enjoyable.

On Saturday we planned to go on a bus ride across the island but the weather looked very overcast and we couldn't see the top of the mountains and the wind was blowing harder. We thought it better to wander around the shops, came back and had lunch. Chris & I attempted to mend a tap. Elaine prepared an evening meal, which again was enjoyable. We sat and drank wine & beer, played cards & dice before turning in. The night was rough and eventually the storm blew itself out and when I surfaced at 7.15 and looked out there was a beautiful blue sky again. A bit of a problem though - I think I've messed up the WC pump. I sucked instead of blowing? They said I'd have to walk the plank!

Sunday. I'm quite amused with the little Ape 3 wheeled vehicles. There are many different styles and they seem ideal here for the small businesses. We even saw one with a mini skip. It is a very pleasant morning and Elaine said we should go on the bus trip to Marciana the highest point on the island. Chris would stay behind and fix the pump. (Poor Chris) Sorry! We went to the ferry area where the busses begin their route, bought return tickets and boarded the bus at 11.25hrs. It was a very scenic route, twisting and turning around hairpin bends and the views were marvellous. We went across to Marina Di Campo from Portoferraio then on to Marciana, the oldest inhabited part of the island. Very narrow streets with stepped passageways, several small churches and a visitor centre. There were sweet chestnut trees and I couldn't help but pick up a few, as I particularly like raw chestnuts. There appeared to be some sort of festival being prepared, also a notice about Afghanistan. Close by were a couple of restaurants. We wandered around until 13.00hrs taking in the atmosphere, very charming. We decided to have lunch and as we arrived at the restaurant it started to rain, so we sat inside. Stayed there for about an hour, went for another look round and when we arrived at the bus stop for our return journey a band was playing. People were arriving by car and motorcycle, stopping anywhere to chat regardless of other traffic. It was quite laughable. We caught the bus back and on La Premiere Chris had fixed the pump, which was a RELIEF (in more ways than one). We all had a cup of tea and a piece of cake. Later Elaine cooked a roast dinner. After, we played bridge until 1.00am.

Monday. Woke early & had breakfast. Chris said he would take us out for a sail so we had to re-stow equipment into the cabin we were using as a bedroom to get us ship-shape on deck. We gently motored out of the finger berth into open water. Chris hoisted the mainsail and there was just enough breeze to enable us to sail across the harbour-bay. Chris let me take the helm and with a little instruction I thoroughly enjoyed myself. After about an hour we went back to the berth. We had a light lunch and decided to go and look up the train times at an Internet Cafe' which Chris executed with some speed and dexterity. Off we went to book the ferry only to find that Torremar Lines were on strike the next day. Booked on Moby Lines so all was well. We then looked around for somewhere to eat that evening. I also needed to draw out cash from the hole in the wall. Chris showed me how to do that, as I don't use them at all at home. By this time it was 18.00hrs. It seemed pointless returning so we sat and had a drink in a bar by the harbour until 19.00hrs then strolled to a little establishment C+E had noticed earlier. We all ordered pizzas, which I must say were very good, washed down with a couple of bottles of Chianti. We had a sweet course and coffee. Paid the bill and left. C+E went on ahead and by the time Val & I arrived they had cleared the cabin ready for us to sleep in.

Tuesday. Surfaced at 7.30 washed dressed and packed ready for the off. Had a bowl of cereal and at 9.15 we set off for the ferry. I must say that as we left port, looking down to wave goodbye, Val & I were sad to leave, but happy also to have spent a few memorable days with the intrepid pair. KANGALOOSH!