Tilly will never be known for her speed. All too often I catch a glimpse in my mirrors of a growing tail of cars chancing a moment to overtake. For fear of witnessing an accident from some misplaced judgement I have grown to celebrate the arrival of roundabouts! A few circuits do wonders to reduce the heat from frustrated drivers and an opportunity for Tilly to shed her tail and for me usually a much needed pause to clarify my direction!
Talking of 'tales' my slow pace gives me plenty of time to reflect on the travelling 'experience' and comparison with Leigh Fermor's 1930's journey on his epic journey to Constantinople. He sets out alone with next to nothing but seems consistently 'rescued' by the generosity of all - from fellow travellers, Counts and Barons to charitable Consuls, Burgermeisters and even the local constables! How things have changed! The lone traveller I guess is hardly an unusual sight these days to lavish hospitality on however it does seem that a bright green camper van still is. I have lost track of the number of times people have waved, hooted, stopped and chatted, keen to share fond memories of their own. Tilly is no doubt a bit of a celebrity!
1 comment:
Hi ,
Been reading your Tilly tails with interest . Your trip seems 50% high culture to 50% mechanics .. what diverse skills and knowledge you must be learning! . It sounds a real experience and well worthwhile even with the overheating and the finessing of the engine and gauges .
Thanks for the card .Did you like the italian riviera . We were about 40 mins up in the hills which was stunningly beautiful and very old . Even in a modern car I did not like the driving round the twisty and narrow roads . the italians seem to be able to squeeze through gaps at high speed in a most diconcerting way .
I have never been on a blog before . I suppose I should try and write something worth reading , but it is too late at night for that so this chat will have to do !
are you still abroad ?
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