Gutting fish in Scilla – Back in Italy

The long drive back to Italy today. Motorway all the way, so not too bad for the driver….until we reached Messina that is! The northern coastline of Sicily was much more green and mountainous than anywhere we’ve been since we crossed three weeks ago. Didn’t get to see much of it because the motorway consists of one tunnel after another. Your eyes just adjust to the dark then suddenly, you’re into blinding white sunshine for 30 seconds then plunged back into darkness. Managed to stop at Lidl for yet more food and phone Callum to wish him happy birthday 🎂…how on earth can he be 24? The ferry embarkation place wasn’t anywhere near where it was supposed to be, so much driving round in circles before we eventually found it. Straight on and off – stayed in the van with Rufus. Drove a short way up the coast to Scilla but saw a car waving at us on the way in saying don’t go through, followed by a no motorhomes sign. Turns out he has an amazing patch of land for campers to park on overlooking both Sicily and Scilla. Very helpful chap …I get the feeling he goes and collects all the misguided motorhomes off the main road and brings them back to his Sosta for €15 a night. Included in the price is a ride in his electric car down to Scilla and back whenever you want to go. We said we’d go in about 8pm. In the meantime, we set about cooking the two dorado we’d bought, only to find they hadn’t been gutted. Don’t think I’ve ever seen the insides of a fish before – don’t think I want to again! Well done Guy. Not a lot in Scilla but a nice town with a castle and harbour. Walked miles to find a cash machine but rewarded with the new drink of choice – an Aperol Spritz. 🍹