France, Spain, Portugal 2009

TUESDAY 11-08-09 Sunny 20°-32° It rained all night so the morning is cool; during the day the temperature will rise to 32° but always dry heat. We set off as usual calmly and around 11.30 we're at the Natural Science Museum at José Gutiérrez Abascal 2; it's a nice museum, even if it's not the best we've seen so far, and in any case for us but above all for Diego an interesting cultural pastime. Then with bus no. 150 to Puerta del Sol, then on foot to Plaza Mayor, very scenic; you enter it through 9 gates, with large three-storey frescoed palaces that enclose it; 130 m long and 100 wide, it is lined with arcades dotted with restaurants, bars and little shops; in the centre stands the statue of King Philip III.

It's lunchtime and after various stops we decide to stop at the famous Museo del Jamon, which is not a museum but a chain of restaurants, in Mayor, where you can shop, or choose to eat at the bar counter or in the restaurant; we opt for the restaurant, because we like to be comfortable, but above all for € 32.10 we eat a lot and well, admiring the hams hanging from the ceiling in a Belle Époque atmosphere. After lunch the Naval Museum awaits us (darn, closed in August), the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen, seen only from outside because there are very long queues. From the Paseo del Prado we go to Atocha station, absolutely not to be missed for the beautiful tropical garden inside with a pond full of turtles. That's it for today too; given the heat we cool off in the pool and after dinner, with the air conditioning at maximum, shut inside the camper. good night

WEDNESDAY 12-08-09 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN, GALICIA KM 640 At 7.00 it's hot, departure for Santiago de Compostela; at 13.40 arrival at the As Cancelas campsite, lunch break, rest and a swim in the pool (freezing despite the sweltering heat), reinvigorating. Towards evening, when the heat subsides a little, we take bus no. 4, 200 m from the campsite, and go into the centre along cobbled streets of medieval character; we reach the beautiful Plaza Obradoiro, where the Cathedral of the Apostle stands imposingly; overall it is very beautiful, small inside, rich in decorations, with a majestic altar, though lacking the typical recollection of sanctuaries; the square is literally covered with pilgrims resting; many have walked the route and every now and then a chorus of welcome rises for the newly arrived pilgrim.

Wandering through the streets of the centre we get hungry and decide to stop at the Caffè Casino at Rua del Villar 35, where for € 15 each including dessert we enjoy a good paella, though not rich in meat and fish; we've realised that practically everywhere they offer ready-made paella; it leaves a bit to be desired. We go back to the camper for a shower and relaxation in almost total silence; after the confusion of Madrid, that's what we need.

THURSDAY 13-08-09 LISBON, PORTUGAL KM 550 Sunny 16° after a good cool night, departure for Lisbon, but along the way we stop at Fatima in the Estremadura after 422 KM. Arrival at 12.30 (Portuguese time; from now on we'll have to set the clock back an hour). The square where we park is packed and we wonder why, since it's not a feast day, but little by little, as we get closer to the Sanctuary square, we realise that it is indeed a feast day even if we don't know the reason. The square is swarming with people singing and waving a white handkerchief; it's very evocative. The Sanctuary in its simplicity is imposing and stirs emotion; we pass in front of the tombs of the three shepherd children, then go out to see the Chapel of the Apparitions and, a short distance away, stands the Pope John Paul II centre, a very modern church, but very beautiful.

Having finished the visit, since it's still early and none of us is particularly tired, we decide to continue on to Lisbon; at 16.00 we're at the Monsanto campsite, naturally after having wandered for more than half an hour through the city's most disreputable neighbourhoods (this year the sat nav leaves something to be desired…) A dip in the pool that takes away all the day's efforts, and after trying to have dinner out we withdraw to the camper, because between insects and the heat there's not much to be done; we're drawn to the cool of the air conditioning.

FRIDAY 14-08-09 At 9.30 it's already 29°C, we're getting ready to face a nice hot day. We go into the center with bus no. 714, right outside the campsite on the right, we arrive right at Praca do Commercio, after admiring the port and the Tagus river we decide to take the tourist bus to do a tour of the city, the sun is very hot, but the cool sea breeze helps us a bit and we see a large part of the city comfortably seated, until we reach the Belem Tower from where Vasco De Gama departed and the Monument to the Discoverers, two truly interesting monuments, we get off to visit the Jeronimos Monastery which has a wonderful architecture (it looks embroidered) where Vasco De Gama rests. Today lunch at Portugal Belem on Avenida Brasilia where we enjoy excellent all-you-can-eat fish.

After lunch we take the tourist bus again and return to the center, we are quite tired and overheated so it's better to go back to the campsite for a nice refreshing bath. In the evening it cools down a bit, we hope the temperature drops.

SATURDAY 15-08-09 Ferragosto At 10.00 – 32°C This morning we want to dedicate to visiting the Oceanario, so bus no. 750 to the left outside the campsite, in 40 minutes crowded and overheated (never seen so many colored people on the same bus, nothing against them, but it makes an impression on me, it feels like being in Africa) through neighborhoods of every kind. Finally we arrive, the whole complex (Oceanario, Oriente Station, Vasco de Gama Shopping Center, Vasco De Gama Bridge and Tower, Cable Car, various restaurants) is a marvel. Advice: better to get the Cartao do Parque ticket at the info point located exiting the shopping center, across the street, it allows the visit to the knowledge museum, the Oceanario and the ride on the cable car and doesn't make you waste time at the ticket counters €19 each, all for a truly exceptional visit.

Lunch break at Sabores Arte e Imagem on rua de Angola 20; if you feel like eating excellent fish, abundant and spending a little more than usual, this is the right place, it's Ferragosto and we treat ourselves. Full and satisfied we take bus plus metro to the center and then get on the yellow tram that takes us to the Miradouro where we admire a beautiful panorama of Lisbon. Return to the campsite in time to make a nice queue at the reception to pay, refreshing shower, dinner and well-deserved rest.

SUNDAY 16-08-09 CABO DE ROCA, SAGRES, LAGOS PORTUGAL ALGARVE KM 426 At 8.00 sun 20°C Last night was quite cool without air conditioning. Arrival at Cabo de Roca at 9.00, the weather is truly terrible, the sky is dark and the wind is very strong, but the spectacle of this cape located 140 m above sea level is unmissable, we are at the westernmost point of the European continent, the lighthouse is a true jewel that stands out white and red against the mountain, after the ritual photos we go to the market to buy the usual souvenir magnet and I decide to treat myself, a fabulous wool jacket made with the wool of their sheep. We take the highway again and head towards Sagres in the Algarve to see the famous beaches, truly postcard sea and beach, the sun is very hot, but the cool wind makes the air light, the water is cold.

At 17.00 arrival at the Turiscampo campsite, pitch in the scorching sun (only five are left, luckily we arrived early). Just enough time to settle in and we're at the pool; it feels good, but it's a bit too crowded, we still need a nice cool-down. Dinner and a quiet, cool evening 22.

MONDAY 17-08-09 GIBRALTAR KM 466 At 8.00 sun 24°C At 14.00 arrival at the Sureuropa campsite. Around 18.00 after resting, we take a taxi to La Linea, then a bus to the center of Gibraltar, it's full of tourists, but by now the shops are closing, never seen a town that closes everything at 18.30. After crossing the center of Gibraltar (which is nothing special, apart from the English signs and some typical construction, it leaves much to be desired) we head to the port to see Africa, but there's a lot of haze and only the outline can be glimpsed. We stop at the Water Front restaurant on Queensway Quay for an abundant dinner.

The cool, salty, humid air makes our clothes stick to us, we can't wait to get back to the campsite for a nice shower; it's very late so we can't go up to the rock and consequently see the famous monkeys............we'll be back, but!!At this hour there aren't even any means of transport anymore, so another taxi ride that costs us less than the way there, the km are always 4....... but!!!

TUESDAY 18-08-09 GRANADA SPAIN ANDALUSIA km 248 At 8.00 sun hot humid suffocating 24°C At 10.00 arrival in Granada at the Maria Eugenia campsite, but already from the entrance we don't like it, too small, super crowded, too close to the highway; we change direction and after the usual wandering around, because the navigator this year has crossed eyes, we arrive at the Sierra Nevada campsite. There's a scorching heat, thank goodness there's air conditioning, it's 38°C in the shade, we barely have time to position ourselves on the pitch before we're already soaking in the pool. For tomorrow we've booked from the campsite the visit to the Alhambra for 13.00, may heaven help us, who knows how hot it will be.......In the afternoon we take the opportunity to do the laundry which dries in an hour in the shade, then back in the pool until dinner time.

Quiet evening and finally the thermometer tends to drop, it's 23.30 and it reads 26°C, finally we can breathe.

WEDNESDAY 19-08-09 Sun 22°C This morning we woke up early because despite the reservation we have to arrive at the Alhambra in time to visit the entire monumental complex unique in the world; bus no. 33 for the Cathedral and then no. 32 for the Alhambra.

The choice of time is spot on, we manage to visit the gardens which are immense, lush, beautiful and the Alcazaba (fortress) before noon, the temperature is pleasant and makes us appreciate the wonders of the Generalife (villa and garden, unfortunately the fountains are all under restoration); at 12.45 we line up in front of the Nasrid palace, a true masterpiece of Arab art, a sovereign residence, we truly recommend the visit to everyone; captivated by the wonders passing before our eyes we don't even notice the heat or the passing of time, we leave reluctantly, but our stomach is growling, it's already 14.30 and we stop at the entrance of the Alhambra at the La Mimbre restaurant. We go down to the center with bus no. 32, we wander a bit through the little shops enjoying a gelato and then we go visit the Cathedral €3.50, which is very beautiful.

We return to the campsite and as usual a dip in the pool, it's 18.00 and it's 38°C in the shade, at 22.30 it's still 32°C and we hole up in the cool of the camper for a good sleep.

THURSDAY 20-08-09

Sun at 10.00 26°C at 14.00 38°C Quiet morning wandering through the streets of the center browsing among the ancient shops of the Arab quarter, then on the way back a stop at the supermarket right in front of the campsite, to stock up a bit, the rest of the day relaxing in the pool, outside the water you can't stand it.

Albajzin

FRIDAY 21-08-09 VALENCIA SPAIN KM 518

Sun at 7 34°C At 11.00 break at Cartagena, but at first glance it doesn't inspire us much, so we decide to continue to Valencia. We arrive at 14.30, damn the navigator that doesn't show us the right road, damn the roadworks, damn that precisely this weekend the Formula 1 is racing in Valencia; after an hour of wandering around we arrive at the Coll Vert campsite. It's very hot, but we're 400 m from the sea and the breeze makes itself felt, thank goodness. Lunch and rest in the camper with the air conditioning at max, it feels good. Towards evening we make a quick trip to the sea, it's not great, but the water is warm and inviting, too bad it's very rough. Quiet evening and finally cool.

At the campsite reception we booked the visit to the Oceanario €31.90 each, a bit expensive it seems to me, but they tell us it's worth it!!! SATURDAY 22-08-09 Sun 34°C Today was very tiring but we made it. With the bus (stop outside the campsite) we went to the center which is truly beautiful with a stunning cathedral, well-preserved period buildings, fountains, pink marble sidewalks, tidy, clean, splendid. Then directly to the Oceanario which is a huge complex, I don't know if it's the largest seen so far, but it's certainly the most spectacular with all those ultra-modern constructions that create a truly pleasant optical effect. Lunch break today we treat ourselves at the Submarino restaurant, truly nice and classy with circular aquarium tanks instead of walls, where fish of every kind swim.

Diego as usual when we stop at places of this kind reminds us that we're not exactly dressed correctly with Bermuda shorts and sneakers, but we look around and see other tourists like us and so, disregarding etiquette (no one came to ask us for a tuxedo though) we enjoy the real Valencian paella which is a delicacy. Then we went to the science museum, but we could have skipped it, it's not worth it, we've visited nicer ones. Overall the Ciudad de las artes y las sciencias is beautiful and worth seeing. Return to the campsite by taxi, tired but satisfied and finally a nice cool-down in the pool couldn't be missing.

SUNDAY 23-08-09 SAINT CIPRYEN FRANCE LINGUADOC RUSSIGLIONE (EASTERN PYRENEES) km549 At 7.10 cool sun 23°C At 14.00 arrival at the Cala Gogo campsite in Saint Cipryen 30°C; a village by the sea in the Cavallino style. Afternoon of relaxation between sea and pool. Cool evening.

Cala gogo pitch Cala Gogo pool

MONDAY 24-08-09 Sun 22°C-27°C cool wind Quiet day relaxing and dolce far niente between sea and pool.

Saint Cipryen Beach

TUESDAY 25-08-09 LE CASTELLET FRANCE HAUTE PROVENCE KM 382 Sun 30°C evening 23°C At 7.00 departure at 12.00 arrival at Le Castellet. After a good 23 years we want to see how the "Auberge d'Arbois" campsite, today "Club Arbois", has changed. Back then there was a pine wood with a few bungalows and many pitches for tents and caravans, uniquely peaceful. At the time it was the first vacation in a caravan with our friends. Now it has kept very few pitches, the land is practically occupied by bungalows of various colors and materials, a real jumble. The bathrooms are being redone, the pool has been enlarged and is always very crowded. Overall it wouldn't be bad, but we were disappointed, obviously time hasn't stood still.

WEDNESDAY 26-08-09

Cloudy sun 27°C- 30°C Wake up calmly and then taxi to Le Castellet, the town has remained as it was 23 years ago and we take a dive into the past, but it's much better because now next to us there's Diego who likes the town at least as much as we do. Perched on the mountain, it presents itself as a village of other times and strongly recalls Erice in Sicily; there are the usual little shops that feel so much like Provence, full of tourists with lots of shopping bags, we do our part too buying perfumes, soaps and lavender. Lunch break at the L'Auberge de l'Ormeau restaurant and then back to the shops browsing among many nice, useful and less useful little objects. Around 17.00 we return to the campsite happy to have seen such a characteristic town again.

THURSDAY 27-08-09 MONETIER LES BAINS FRANCE SERRE CHEVALIER KM 301 Sun 20°C-27°C-11°C At 7.00 departure for the last stop. At 11.30 arrival at Monetier les Bains, a small village near Briancon, at the Municipal des 2 Glacier campsite at 1500 m altitude, it's enchanting, surrounded by a crown of mountains on whose peak a bit of snow can be glimpsed; just looking around is restful. After lunch we finally unload the bicycles and go for a little ride in the village and to see the Les Grands Bains thermal baths, the village is nice just one km from the campsite, the thermal baths at the same distance are a beautiful complex with indoor and outdoor pools.

On returning to the camper Diego says he doesn't feel very well, I think it's tiredness, but the thermometer doesn't lie, he has a fever of 37.5, in the evening it rises to 38.5, despite this, a quiet and cool evening, not to say cold because outside it's 11°C and in the camper it's nice with the heater on, there's no denying it, in 20 days we've experienced various temperatures.

FRIDAY 28-08-09

Sun 20°C- 33°C Today we wake up leisurely, Diego had a good night and this morning his fever has completely gone, to avoid risks it's better to leave him alone, a day dedicated to idleness for everyone, the only effort is lighting the fire to make ourselves a nice barbecue, we eat outdoors, the sun is nice and warm, the sky is clear as only in the mountains can be and it feels very good.

SATURDAY 29-08-09

Sun 10°C- 27°C Again today clear sky, an ideal day for the thermal baths, it's a real treat, hot water in indoor and outdoor pools, hydromassages, Turkish bath, jacuzzi, pools where you can listen to music with your ears immersed in the water, solarium.......After the nice relaxing break, we take the bikes and go for a nice ride around the area, we go to see where the chairlift departs from, because tomorrow we'd like to do an excursion on the glacier. Quiet evening and cool outside, but warm in the camper thanks to the heater.

SUNDAY 30-08-09

Sun 9°C- 25°C Another beautiful day, after breakfast, we go by bike to the chairlift that takes us up to 2200 m, it's a spectacle, then on foot we climb up a rising path, but what an effort, we manage to climb up to 2500 m and the glaciers are within reach, it would be enough to follow another very steep path to get right below them, but it's too steep, the shoes we have aren't ideal, so reluctantly we decide to go down, we reach the refuge, however............between going and returning we walked for two hours and so we're a bit hungry, lunch at the refuge, but it's not great. Meanwhile the sun has clouded over and the temperature has dropped to 15°C, it's quite cool, we go down to the village and return to the campsite. The last day of vacation is almost over too and once again today we are satisfied with how it went.

I look around and try to stock up on these images that fill my heart with peace and serenity. We had fun, we saw splendid things, we relaxed doing what we love most, always all three of us together, deciding together what to do and not to do, laughing, but also sometimes grumbling because the decisions didn't always align, but together around the world. Thank God once again we were granted the chance to experience all this.

MONDAY 31-08-09 Castellucchio KM 384

Sun 15°C At 9.30, after breakfast we gather all our things and set off in the direction of HOME. At 10.00 we enter Italy, at 15.30 arrival. As usual when we return we're happy because we find people and things that are missed during vacation anyway, sad because the vacations are over, but with our heads already full of new travel projects. Until next time. Graziella, Luciano, Diego

Campsites

1)Carcassonne Camping Campeolè la Citè Route de St.Hilaire 11.000 Carcassonne France 2)Zaragoza Camping municipal Ciudad de Zaragoza c/San Juan de la Salle s/n 50012 Zaragoza Spain 3)Madrid Camping Alpha c/calidad 1-28096 Getafe, Madrid Spain

4)Santiago de Compostela

Camping As Cancelas rua do 25 de xullo-35-1504 Santiago de Compostela Spain 5)Lisbon Camping Monsanto estrada da circunvalacao 1400-061 Monsanto/Lisboa Portugal 6) Lagos Camping Turiscampo estrada nacional 125 Espiche 8600 Lagos 7)Gibraltar Camping Sureuropa camino de sobrevela s/n 11300 La Linea de la Concepcion 8)Granada Camping Sierra Nevada avenida Juan Pablo II n.23-18014 Granada Spain 9)Valencia Camping Coll Vert playa de Pinedo 46012 Pinedo /Valencia Spain 10)Saint. Cipryen Camping Cala Gogo Av. Lanoux-Plage de la lagune-les Capellans 66750 Saint Cipryen 11)Le Castellet Camping l'arbois du Castellet route nationale 8-Le Camp 5541 route des Haute du Camp 83330 Le Castellet 12)Monetier Les Bains Camping municipal des 2 Glaciers