10th June 2009
When last I wrote we were in Gioia Tauro getting ready to set off for Siracusa and then on to Greece for the winter. But I was having doubts, didn't really want to go to Greece. So, we made our way to Siracusa and spent a couple of weeks there, tied to the town quay. I love Siracusa, there is so much life, a beautiful old town that is being slowly renovated, and a fantastic morning market, bursting with fresh produce and the most amazing selection of fresh fish.
As usual, there was change afoot, new projects starting up, and this time we cruisers are affected. The town quay is to be overhauled, the quay extended into the sea by at least a meter, new sea walls to be built and a new marina. We were lucky, we were able to spend our time there at the quay. A few days after we left it was closed to all boats so they either had to anchor in the bay or go into the marina. Both are good options, just not as good as being on the quay.
For me, though, the best part was that Tony finally agreed that going back to Calabria and spending the winter in the Marina Stellla del Sud in Vibo Marina, was our best option. Yeah!!! The last days of September saw us settled in for the winter and getting to know the town.
So now it is 15th June and I really can't get my head round what we did over the winter months. We went back to UK more times than we usually do, drove the car back to Italy at the beginning of February - that was good - drove it back to Banbury at the end of April - and that was even better - in between making a March visit home for Charlie's birthday - and otherwise pottered around Vibo Marina, living well, eating well, speaking lots of Italian... and complaining about the weather. Of course, last winter had to have been the worst winter 'in living memory' or 'in 50 years' - tick whichever one applies. Regardless, I no longer allow Tony to say 'Global Warming': the phrase has to be 'Climate Change'!
Angie at Marina Stella del Sud is warm and friendly and nothing seems to be too much trouble for her. I would highly recommend the marina to anyone thinking of spending time in that area. We (I!) are seriously considering another winter there.
Perhaps I should say more about the town? It isn't pretty. It isn't touristy, but we liked it. There were good food shops, adequate supermarkets and a great Monday market. There was Pedro's pizzeria/rosticceria - great for a relaxed, very cheap, simple night out - or a couple of other more upmarket restaurants for celebrations or for something a lot more elegant is required. What more could anyone want? A good train station with regular connections near and far? It had that. Interesting places to visit? That too. Some beautiful countryside? Outstanding - but needed a car to appreciate it. All in all, we made a good choice I think.
And now we have gone. Maybe to return.
