Day 112 to 114 - Rain and train

2 - 4 April 2022

2 April 2022

It rained all day. I don’t mind too much. We headed out for a coffee and lunch. As the day wore on the rain got heavier. It is 4˚C outside. Icy winds. Apparently, it is spring. This is my excuse for not writing today. Sometimes nothing happens. I am not bored, just pleasantly happy to have nothing at all to do.

“He had been bored, that's all, bored like most people. Hence he had made himself out of whole cloth a life full of complications and drama. Something must happen - and that explains most human commitments. Something must happen, even loveless slavery, even war or death. Hurray then for funerals!” ― Albert Camus

Lunch was average as was the coffee. We did stumble on some very cool markets. Huge wheels of cheese, fresh fruit, and vegetables. If I had a kitchen it would be the perfect night to cook.

We spend the afternoon reading. Finish one book, start another. Just easy reading fantasy. But it is entertaining and well written. I will finish the series and look for something heavier.

“Don’t do what you can’t undo, until you’ve considered what you can’t do once you’ve done it.” ― Robin Hobb

3 April 2022

We wake to blue skies and head toward the water. Looking back on the town from the water you appreciate its real beauty. I am not sure what the demographic of the region looks like, but judging from the yachts, cruisers, and super cruisers, there is cash here.

We grab a coffee on the water. Both are cold. I am facing the water. Yachts creaking and stunning blue skies. They treat dogs well here. They are welcome in shops, restaurants, and cafes. They all seem so well behaved, mostly. I guess they are like children. The good ones go out, and the bad ones are left at home in disgrace. If only this was true.

We read our books in the sun and pat the dogs as they come by. I miss the contact of a dog. I fluctuate between the joys of owning one and the limits they burden you with when it comes to travel.

“A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog.” ― Jack London

Shell announces we better get to lunch before it rains. I look up to clear blue skies. I turn to ask her what she has been drinking and behind her is a wall of black storm clouds.

We head to lunch. A couple walks in with a big old dog. He sits there quietly. No fuss. Order an Aperol while we choose off the menu. A couple of pasta dishes. Both regional. Both excellent. I want to pat the dog. It is quiet even though it is full. Then a family arrives. The children watch shows on devices which creates noise. The adults talk louder to be heard over the devices. Everyone else talks louder to be heard over the new table and the place feels horrible. I look at the dog. He whimpers. I understand. We pay the bill and leave. Did the dog whimper or was it me?

“And all the scolding and the shame

Should fall upon Veruca Salt?

Is she the only one at fault?

For though she's spoiled, and dreadfully so,

A girl can't spoil herself, you know.

Who spoiled her, then? Ah, who indeed?

Who pandered to her every need?

Who turned her into such a brat?

Who are the culprits? Who did that?

Alas! You needn't look so far

To find out who these sinners are.

They are (and this is very sad)

Her loving parents, Mum and Dad.

And that is why we're glad they fell

Into the garbage chute as well.”

― Roald Dahl

Rain comes. Back to our rooms to read. We are low on milk for tea and breakfast. I head out. Get soaked. The grocery store is shut. Throw a tantrum of text messages at Shell concerning my situation. The rain is her doing. Find milk and head back.

Read all evening. Apologise to Shell.

Rome tomorrow.

4 April 2022

Wake up to blue skies and a forecast for fine weather. We head to the train station. La Spezia was a diversion from Rome before we leave. The weather meant we did not see the best of it. I am not sure if I will ever come back.

There is a dog on the carriage. I get to give him a pat. I might prefer dogs to people. The train ride is fast and comfortable. Arrive in Rome. Feels like home. Grab a taxi and head straight out for food. Famished.

“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” ― Charles de Gaulle

Pick up some food for dinner and breakfast. It is the evening before I realise. We read and go to bed.

'I don't think you realise how much embarrassment you bestow on me' - Rachelle Griffin