Rapallo: one of those days

We’re both shattered this evening. After a smooth start to the morning, when we left the campsite in Sestri Levante to move to one further north in Rapallo, lots seemed to go wrong and everything felt difficult.

Firstly, the supermarket John had chosen only had a tiny car park and there was no room for Molly Moho. The second one, chosen for its bigger car park was elusive, and we went round in a big circle down small city streets trying to find it. Thankfully, those streets were one way and we did find the supermarket eventually.

In terms of choice, the supermarket was good. However, the layout was chaotic so we couldn’t find anything easily, and it was busy, which made me grumpy. I think it was just sensory overload after a peaceful couple of weeks… why do Italians have to be so loud? Also, after weeks of shopping at Lidl, everything seemed expensive.

Finally on the road, the journey to Rapallo went well. We didn’t even have any toll dramas, and we easily found the campsite and parked up on our pitch. Pitches… whereas we used to enjoy a nice shady pitch in mid summer school holidays, in October we’d like some sunshine. Who needs constant shade in autumn?! Nevertheless, I’m telling myself that at least I’ll get a good night’s sleep if Molly’s cool.

After lunch, we decided to walk into Rapallo and check it out. Oh my God! If I thought the supermarket was busy, the road into Rapallo was ten times worse! Cars, scooters and pedestrians seemed to be coming at us from all directions, and it was really noisy in the narrow streets. Also, by now it was hot. I can’t explain why I wore my cardi!

Once we got to the prom, Rapallo was lovely, and much quieter. we enjoyed wandering past the castle and various small beaches, and stopping in a beach bar for a drink. Then we meandered back through the historic centre, through pretty narrow streets. All fine, until we had to tackle the horrible busy road back to the campsite again, which turned out to be even worse because the pavements were now jammed with parents and children from the local primary school that had just finished for the day!

Back at Molly, we’ve made plans for the next few days. Nothing seems straightforward and working out public transport here has been difficult, a contrast to the last place. Then dinner. What’s gone wrong with dinner, you ask? The chicken won’t cook, the sweet potato fries won’t crisp, and the oven turned itself off! Also, the red wine that John opened is fizzy. How have we made the mistake of buying frizzante again! You have to laugh… in the grand scheme of life, none of this stuff matters and tomorrow can only be easier. I hope!