We had a later start than normal for our flight on holiday as we usually try to get one of the first flights out of the UK but unfortunately the flights to Pisa, Italy were allandnbsp;lunch time flights. So we left home at 09:00hrs sharp and headed off towards Liverpool airport.
Leaving home at 09:00 allowed us to see Lewis before we left as he was on a 10:00 start. It’s strange that he’s not coming with us though, he’ll be missed but I’m sure he won’t miss us!
The drive to Liverpool is only an hour max. from home in the morning traffic so no problems getting there for 10:00. We partnered up in the usual long stay car park just 5 mins walk from the terminal.
There were no big queues at security check-in which was good to see and we cleared through in just over 5 minutes. This gave Michele more time in ‘Duty Free’ where she restocked her supply of perfume, in sure we’ll be calling on the way out too!
We boarded the plane 10 minutes before take off which should have been a warning that we were due to be delayed, as no sooner than the doors shut the stewardess announced there was a 50 minute delay and gave an excuse I didn’t quite catch. So we sat there patiently waiting, however Michele had a later teenage girl behind her that kept banding the back of her seat so there was a little bit of tension!!!
By the time the wheels left the tarmac at Liverpool we’d been delayed by 70 minutes – thanks Ryanair what a great service you have!
The flight to Pisa takes just over 2 hours, the skies over the channel were clear and the shipping lanes looked busy. The same clear skies over the Alps gave us clear view of the still snow covered caps. Then it was a quick dash down the Mediterranean and into Pisa.
We landed in Pisa to a warm temperature reception and headed off to find Hertz for our pre-booked car hire. At the booking desk we were advised that the Lancia we had asked for wasn’t available so they offered us a Fiat Punto or a Fuat 500. I originally wanted the Fiat 500 but the cost was more expensive but now we could have it fit the same price – Happy Days.
The drive from Pisa to Park Albatross was just under the hour and included a €6.80 road toll. The Tom-Tom SatNav took us straight to the camp site and we arrived just before 19:00hrs. We found the Canvass Rep, checked in and headed off to our 2 bed caravan pitch number 46 on Via Levante. We have been given a small compact pitch which is clean and tidy. Michele asked the usual question – “is it a sunny pitch?” Yes was the reply.
After unpacking it was of to find some food and beer (Birra as it’s known locally). We quickly called in the camp shop for some milk and other provisions just before they shut up shop at 20:00hrs. Now for my tea. The campsite has two restaurants one traditional Italian the other a buffet. We headed for the Italian. They found us a table quickly but were a little slow getting our order taken, no problem though only that they were slow bringing my draft Birra Moretti. We all ordered pizza. Josh was least adventurous (no shock there) as he ordered a margherita, Michele ordered ham and mushroom (prosciutto e fun) again not very adventurous. I though went for the local Tuscan sausage and onion pizza. We also ordered one portion of fries which were not the best! Another Moretti for me and then back to the caravan. The bill was reasonable at only €40.70.
A quick night cap of another Moretti for both Michele and I, then bed as we are knackered.
