Warp Zone to Bari
Trip Start
Mar 04, 2008
1
9
36
Trip End
Oct 06, 2008
Bari, Italy
Monday, April 7, 2008
We awoke last Friday in our orange grove, 30 km outside of Messina, to a torrential downpour complete with thunder and lightning. Still fighting this on and off food poisoning, we had taken a sick day the day previous and I literally did not stray more than 5 m from our tent all day. Ainaz toughed it out and made the journey to the grocery store to get some supplies.
Anyhow, we set off in the cold rain and wind, heads down, thoughts on more pleasant things. 8 km down the road I was yelling through the barrage of rain at Ainaz to pull over at the next shelter, as I just could not go on for the time being. She was distracted however, and seemed to be talking with a van pulled up alongside her. Upon closer inspection, the van (and the occupants) were from Belgium, and like angels sent from above they were offering us a ride to Messina! Oh, words can not explain how pleased we were! They even had an unoccupied bike rack on the back. Talk about fate!
Long story short, we decided to rudely overstay our welcome with our newfound friends, Catherine and Patrick (a father-daughter travelling duo) and we stuck with them until Alberobello, about 50 clicks out of Bari. Patrick had ingeniously converted his VW van into a camper, complete with expandable rooftop, interior shower and toilet, as well as stove and refridgerator. We spent a night camping with them down a grass track on the outskirts of a small, traditional Puglia village.
Thank you, Catherine and Patrick, from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness is (and was) so greatly appreciated.
Pictures to follow when internet capabilities allow...
