Day Six Shenanigans: Tuscany 2015

A Jolly Jaunt to Piombino

Well, well, well, another day, another gloriously cloudless sky adorning our Tuscan adventure. The mercury’s flirting with the early thirties, but hey, no grumbles from this quarter.

Traffic Tango and Italian Serenades

So, bright and early-ish, our troupe roused itself from slumber. It was pushing 11:00 when we finally coaxed Josh out of his cocoon, ready to tackle the day’s escapade – a little jaunt towards Piombino. Just a mere 20-minute saunter down the coast.

Our first trial? Exiting the campsite. Picture this: a British lad, a car, and the Italian roadways. A recipe for comedy, you’d think. After a brief tango with traffic, we found ourselves caught in a spat with an irate Italian gent on a scooter. Apparently, he didn’t appreciate our courteous zebra crossing etiquette. Lesson learned: patience, dear Watson, patience.

Piombino’s Charms: A Parking Predicament

Eventually, we reached our destination – Piombino. Parking, of course, proved to be an adventure in itself. After some reconnaissance, we settled on a side street spot, complete with its own set of parking peculiarities. €3 for five hours seemed a reasonable fee for our chariot’s resting place.

We found ourselves nestled in Piombino’s old town, a quaint affair reminiscent of Ibiza’s own historical district. Narrow streets beckoned, inviting exploration. Mindful of our Lucca mishap, we proceeded cautiously, eager to avoid any further automotive misadventures.

Harbour Hangouts and Castle Conundrums

Our meanderings led us to the old harbour, a modest affair with room for only a handful of dinghies. Couples lounged lazily along the harbour wall, soaking in the Mediterranean sun. Further along, a small lighthouse perched atop a paved outcrop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. Elba loomed large on the horizon, with Corsica’s faint silhouette adding to the maritime tapestry.

As we ambled, we stumbled upon the old castle, its gates firmly shut to would-be explorers. A sign hinted at its former life as a prison, now reborn as a tourist attraction – though access remained elusive.

A Culinary Interlude: Panini Predicaments

Josh’s hunger pangs prompted a search for sustenance. A quaint bar offered refuge, serving up a medley of toasted delights. Michele and Josh opted for the quintessential toasted sandwich, while I ventured into panini territory. A linguistic misfire with the waitress added to the charm, resulting in a disjointed exchange that left us chuckling. The arrival of our fare brought with it an unexpected avian invasion, courtesy of a bread-tossing local. Pigeons squabbled beneath our table, much to the chagrin of our neighbouring diners.

Wi-Fi Woes and Gelato Galore

Post-lunch, our quest for castle access led us on a futile Wi-Fi pilgrimage. Despite promises of connectivity near the lighthouse, Josh’s digital cravings remained unsated. An impromptu gelato stop provided a much-needed pick-me-up, with flavours ranging from black cherry to creamy indulgence.

Homeward Bound

The journey homeward proved to be a bustling affair, coinciding with the arrival of a ferry from Elba. Back at Park Albatross, the campsite buzzed with activity, hinting at an influx of new arrivals. Our German neighbours seemed to have multiplied, much to Josh’s bemusement.

Ear Troubles and Spaghetti Suppers

A minor ear mishap provided a nightly soundtrack of gurgles and crackles, courtesy of stubborn obstructions. Michele’s comforting presence on my left side proved to be the silver lining in this auditory saga.

And so, as the sun sets on another Tuscan day, we prepare to indulge in a classic Italian feast: spaghetti Bolognese, sans onions and mushrooms for our discerning diner, Josh.