DRAFT
The only solution possible and offered by BMW was to come home by taxi. They would take over the costs quoted at €850. So that is what we did. I never spent so much time at the back of a cab but it was fine and we are home.
The next question of course is how long will they need to repair the car ? I am not too worried actually.
DRAFT
Car break-down near Aix en Provence
Now stuck in a hotel waiting for the assistance people (BMW, Aviva insurance, ADAC) to find a solution to get us home.
Being bank holiday weekend, there is not a single car hire available, no seats available in trains etc etc
DRAFT
Drove back to Barga in the morning. Not a very pleasant drive actually. Italian roads are not the smoothest and motorway lanes are fairly narrow.
Arrived in time for lunchtime apéritif which we took outside despite the thick cloud cover and the odd rain drops
DRAFT
We started the day, after a small breakfast, queuing to visit the Duomo cathedral. Quite a disappointment inside, it is more or less an empty shell. I did not even bother taking photos.
DRAFT
Very pleasant day today. Went into town for some essential shopping and I have to admit it is a very pleasant little town.
Went back home to drop the shopping and decided to walk back through the woods. Quite a steep climb I have to admit. By the time we arrived, it was time for lunch and the drinks were more than welcome.
After lunch we walked back home via the road this time. Some spent the afternoon by the pool, some (me) had a long nap.
We had a couple of locals for a long apéritif in the evening and got a few tips on what to do in the region. Dinner was quite late.
DRAFT
In fact I would rather forget about today. We departed fairly early and although the drive towards Italy was pleasant enough via Cannes, Nice, Menton as soon as we reached the invisible border traffic jams and road works started. It took us 3 hours more than planned to reach our destination.
I learned a new word „Coda“ which means traffic jam in italian (Stau in German / bouchon in French).
Finally made it to Barga late afternoon and met up with our firnds C&J. We have been planning this holida for 3 years and had to cancel twice thanks to Covid.
The view from the house is great and the bottle of Pastis tasted very good, itmade up for the driving nightmare.
DRAFT
In fact I am only half way there. I had an excellent day. The drive to Hyères was pleasant and fast and arrived in time, as planned, for a very nice lunch at my friend‘s house. I must thank her for that.
It is only 35 minutes from her house to our destination for the day along the coastal road. The place does not change and the view is still terrific.
Went into town for aperitif and a walk around . The town is lovely at this time of year, no tourists… just locals and I consider myself as one.
First apéritif
and dinner in the usual restaurant
Nothing. like a few days holiday with good friends in one of the nicest region of Italy and namely the Toscana. In fact I am just packing my things and will be off tomorrow.
Went to the local travel agent yesterday thinking I get some advice on this project of mine for early 2023. All I got is last year’s brochure. I am not impressed. I guess I shall have to do all the bookings myself, as usual.
I do it my way 