Middle-aged flash packers

Budget Ibis turned out to be a real find. Our hotel was between a motorway, a major road and close to a main railway. Didn’t hear a thing. Plus we were able to have a second visit to Carrefour mega/hyper/absolutely huge store and buy loads of stuff. Heaven.

We hit the road again, really quite fed up with driving now. Luckily it was under 4 hour’s drive to our destination which was a relief. Driving into Italy, the scenery changed from pleasant, flat land to snowy peaks and forested mountains. The driving also changed from sane to insane – yup, defo in Italy.

Avigliana turned out to be divine. In a basin nestled between mountains, it has lakes, castles and scenery. Our accommodation host gave us great instructions as to where to park and how to access the apartment. He sent us videos which was such a brilliant idea.

Our accommodation is going from the sublime to the ridiculous.This time we are staying in a Duke’s palace. Converted into apartments, the building is grand, with old stables and courtyards. Our apartment has been beautifully converted, with a roof terrace overlooking the ancient church and ruined castle. The person who co-owns it is a footballer for an Italian club – he sorted the WiFi for us. I’m having a complete identity crisis – pleb or posh? Am I a wag by association? Or a gwag? (Granny wag)

Bringing me back down to Earth, Steve needed beer so off we went to the nearest supermarket before heading out for a hike up to the old castle. The views from it are fabulous, you can see the lakes and also Sacra di San Michel, an imposing abbey, perched on top of a cliff. We are walking there tomorrow.

Dinner was provided with thanks to Carrefour – veal chops with dauphinois potatoes, asparagus and broccoli. Also a bottle of Chablis helped to hit the spot.

I am now sitting on the roof terrace, looking at the church lit up by the moon.Steve is eating a chupa chup. What more can I say?