Flying Solo

For the first time in over a week I was cold during the night – thanks to air conditioning. Unfortunately whilst waiting for the shuttle to the hotel I got eaten alive and my legs and most of my body is one big bite. Flying insects 1 – Charlotte 0.

The day started with an early rise to see how year 13s had faired in their chemistry a-level. On first sight it looks pretty positive 👏🏼👏🏼.

A quick continental breakfast set me up for the day and by 8:30 I was on my way into Venice.

Exploring narrow streets, hopping over canals I got myself to St. Marks square via a Pandora shop for a Venetian charm and the Rivalto Bridge.

As expected, St. Mark’s square was heaving, but a pretty stunning square. A quick look around and a decision was made to head to Doge’s Palace.

Once in Doge’s palace it was impressive to see the intricate art work on the ceiling, I mean really, I struggle painting one colour, how people had the patience to paint such fine paintings on a ceiling god only knows. A mooch around and down over Sigh’s Bridge into the prison made for a pleasant cultural morning.

I then got myself a hop on hop off boat trip to Morano famous for its glass. I spent just over an hour here, checking out some of the glass shops, the colourful buildings and refuelling on local Italian food and wine (gnocchi with crab and Pinot Grigio) – delightful.

I then hopped back on to the boat to go around the islands of Torcello and Burano, I was tempted to get off Burano but didn’t want to miss the connection back so stayed on the boat for a pleasant sit down.

Back in Venice I decided to make my way back to the bus station via the streets and canals off the grand canal before the flying pests come back for round two! I did make sure I stopped off on the way for an aperol or two.

Next stop Germany

Waking up to a bit cooler temperatures was ideal for the journey back to Naples courtesy of our Fiat 500.

After an emotional goodbye at the airport to Papa Wood, yes I cried like a baby it was time to start the solo adventure for real. First stop a day trip into Naples before my flight to Venice.

The day trip started on the sightseeing bus – how else am I going to see Naples in approx 4 hours.

The first route was the artistic route taking me past the Castel Nuove, Santa Chiara, Piazza Sanità, and many more sights of Naples.

Route B took me up Le Vedute del Golfo, beautiful scenes across the gulf towards Vesuvius, Sorrento and Capri.

A fleeting visit to Naples – my thoughts a very old city that has had little modernisation unlike the big cities that you see today, with thousands of years of history it’s definitely one where perhaps I should spend more time exploring. Perhaps that’s one for next year when we return to do Pompeii, Vesuvius and Capri (it was far too hot to do any actual sight seeing without melting).

After finishing the sight seeing it was time to have a strong word with myself, get a grip and be 💪🏼. Solo adventures will be positive! Only an aperol spritz and a margherita pizza would do that…after all Naples is the birth place of the pizza. On a side note: how does anyone eat a whole pizza? I get half way and become completely over faced.

It was then time to head back to the airport – one can never estimate how long it’s going to take on public transport so ended up having some time to kill before the flight up to Venice, this time courtesy of EasyJet. A read of my book a bottle of Napoli Beer and a litre of water before the one hour flight up and across Italy to my next destination!

After landing and whilst waiting for the shuttle to the hotel I felt I was being eaten alive. Upon arrival at my hotel (take not of wallpaper) I decided a long shower and an early night before tomorrow’s epic day. A-level results, 12 hours in Venice and a flight to Cologne! 💃🏻✈️

The adventure continues

Day 11

The day started above the clouds and we decided to have another relaxing day.

We headed back down to Capa di Conca for some sea, sun and aperol. After a little snooze from myself we unfortunately had to leave. There was a funeral in the town where we had parked and the policeman said we had to move the car by 4…sigh. So it was decided to head to the G.A.S bar overlooking the beach where we swam the other day.

After receiving a parking ticket we decided to find some meat to have a bbq! A relaxing evening on the terrace only to be attacked by flying ants!

Day 12

Another day of not moving and a welcome relief of a patch of cloud in the morning. It didn’t last long. Another day of relaxation at the house reading my book ahead of 2 busy days in Naples and Venice.

We then decided to spend our last night with some drinks on the terrace followed by a nice little meal at a pizzeria in La Piazza da Nino and more drinks on the terrace.

Now back to my solo adventures! Let’s go! 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

Day 9

A day of doing nothing – it was what I needed. I felt like I had not stopped so it was a perfect day of book reading, football watching (Leeds and Tottenham) followed by a meal at Luca’s and probably one or two too many glasses of wine, along with some star gazing 🤣

Day 10

It was decided to get up early and head to Positano, the celeb hub of the Almalfi Coast. I saw no celebs, apparently Kylie Jenner is on a yacht close by 🤷🏻‍♀️.

My thoughts on Positano, quite a stunning cliff hanging town, however completely over run by tourists and extortionate prices as a result. When the pound is the same as the euro more or less paying 8 euros for a 330ml bottle of peroni and 10 euros for an Aperol spritz seems a tad too much. A lovely morning/ afternoon non the less. The sea was a refreshing welcome cooling one down from the oppressive heat that seems to be hitting the coast currently.

After another extortionate payment in the car park, 28 euros for 4 hours, we headed to Praiano, another village heading back towards Almalfi. After parking we were greeted by a quaint little Italian Church in a Piazza, with a spectacular sea view. Another trot down some more steps, we came across a little cafe bar, well you can imagine what happened next…3 prosseccos later. The view was incredible, whilst in the bar we decided to get some provisions and spend the night at the house…a top idea if only we could get home without an issue.

We were tootling along pretty well up until Capa de Conca, we decided to take the short cut up the hill. The car literally couldn’t get up it, out we jumped, and climbed more steps to meet Matt further up! The car never came. It just quite simply wouldn’t get up the hill. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Thankfully it had enough power to go the long way round meandering up through the mountains back to the house ready for some Pasta courtesy of Papa Wood.

After being woken up at 6.45 am by a screeching cat, it would’ve been rude not to take a picture of the sunrise.

After dozing in and out of consciousness, I came up with the grand idea of walking down to Fiordo di Furore then catching the bus from there into Almalfi.

Little did I know the walk would be 500 m down steps over a 1.4 km distance. Now I know I’m not the fittest of humans, but I did not expect the amount of perspiration that not only did myself seem to suffer but also from dad, Matt and Rosie. We probably could have made bottles of the stuff. So so hot. We then reached the Fiordo only to find that the steps down to the beach were closed. A shame, but the views along the walk were worth it.

We then sat and waited for a bus into Almalfi, a tourist haven, proven by the 30 euro round of drinks (3 small peronis, a large bottle of water and a pineapple juice). We then decided to jump on a boat to Spaggia Santa Croce, for an afternoon of relaxation.

On a complete side note, there must be something in about Italian mosquitos as my left left has been completely attacked! What’s wrong with the right one?

Anyway back to day 8. After a hairy bus ride back up to the Wood residence (not sure how they have the balls to drive do recklessly, we enjoyed a drink on the terrace before heading down (150m) to restaurant Lucca’s, A top meal and red wine, a short stroll back to the house and a little nap on the deck chair, a good Friday night.

A leisurely morning at the house, when you wake up to this view from your bedroom you are not really going to go anywhere too quickly.

We then decided to hop into the car, Matt was driving, several hairpin bends later, a reverse up a 10% gradient, abandoning of the car, we ended up at Lido Capo di Conca. I’m not going to complain, access into the sea, a bar, a sun bed and a pool what else could we want for the day.

We then decided to head to Almalfi, lack of parking and we continued on, a close shave with a bus and we ended up in Minori, a lovely little coastal town, with a top campari spritz, a cute little cathedral and some nice local fodder ready for a bbq on the terrace.

All in all a relaxing day! Although we’ve concluded the best way to travel is by bus! Car abandoned and we can all have a drink! Ideal.

Another early start awoken by a thunderstorm at 6.30 am. Where would you rather be during an electrical storm right above the airport? In the comfort of your own bed or in a flying aluminium can that conducts electricity 🤔. The plane courtesy of AirItalia was what I would describe as petite a city liner with 86 seats. At least I got 2 to myself 💤💤.

A short flight to Naples ready to meet Pops off his flight from Leeds. There were some scenes flying into Naples…such a contrast to the grey sky of Northern Italy.

We picked up our cheeky whip for the week, a Fiat 500 and we were off…Hallah one week of exploration and relaxation on the Almalfi Coast is exactly what I want! Get me in the water. Having arrived in Furore earlier than anticipated, we had time to kill. What better way than having a spot of lunch with a view.

Followed by an interesting espresso with lemon peel, apparently it prevents headaches, who knew. Next stop, the Wood residence for the week.

So to get to the house we had to go down underneath where we had lunch along a labyrinth of steps to the house! I mean wow! The terrace is just 😍.

The lady told us all about the bus routes that fly around through the village and that the local shop opened at 5….alas in true Italian style it was 5.30. In the mean time dad and I had a little walk – I don’t think we will be walking too far it’s either down hill or down steps. But the views are stunning.

A glass of red wine, whilst listening to the crickets awaiting for the arrival of Matt and Rosie with the essentials aka booze led for a good early evening.

Fat boy arrived 😍, along with Rosie, we sat and watched the sun going down. I think this week is going to be 👌🏼👌🏼

Who knows what tomorrow has in store.

Another early start, this time 6.30, this allowed me to check out, leave my bag and get back to the Duomo for my 8 am entrance into the Cathedral. An iced coffee and a croissant set me up for the day.

Before being allowed into the Duomo I had to buy a cape. I hade made sure I was wearing a T-shirt but my shorts were clearly too short (they were just above my knee and not hot pants for clarity).

Whilst in the cathedral a mass was going on up at the alter. Quite a spectacular interior, although not sure which cathedral is my favourite, they all have different features which makes each one different, is it the modern vibes of the Sagrada Familia, or the individual side chapels found in the cathedral of Salamanca…I suppose it’s personal preference 🤷🏻‍♀️.

It was then time to climb the 200 steps up the Duomo tower to the terrace I wish I’d paid the 3 euro extra for the lift, but think of the steps gained💪🏼. I won’t show you the sweaty selfies of me at the top of the tower, they require some?? serious editing – is there a sweat removal filter 🤣

Next stop was the San Siro, initial thoughts a stadium surrounded by concrete! It’s no Nou Camp or Olympic Stadium in Berlin, but it’s still got History! I actually didn’t know that both AC Milan and Inter Milan play here. You learn something new every day. 🤓🤓

You can tell from the wild hair and shiny skin that it’s hot – city exploring is definitely a winter sport.

So by 11 am I had done two sites and shotted an espresso as I was getting sleepy eyes. The next challenge was to get back into Milan, via the tram, I’m all for above ground on the road trains, comfort at best. I was also in need of some new shoes – note to self don’t wear £3 Primarni pumps in 30 degree heat – they will melt.

Instead of finding shoes I decided to hop on the train to Como, my bag is currently being stored at the hotel and I had many options on how to get to Como, did I take my bag with me? Do I leave it at Milan central station whiz out and back? I decided to leave my bag at the hotel, get the train to Como Lago from one station and head back to Milano centrale from a different station in Como – clever I hear you say 💃🏻.

Como is a beautiful place, what with its lake, mountain scenery, a grand cathedral and a good pair of trainers! It was a whistle stop tour which included some pasta and prosecco. It’s definitely a place I would like to return to and explore further 🧐🧐

After a speedy journey back to Milan I jumped straight onto the blue line to explore metropolitan Milan. At this point in the day I was exhausted, but I decided to battle on before heading out to Milan Malpensa airport (the other one) for the night before my morning flight to Naples.

4.30 am wake ups are never ideal, but needs must. One way to start your holiday is to indulge in a mimosa! “All you mimosa fans let me hear you clap your hands” – brings me back to the Ardeche/ Med trip in year 11.

Funny story – I only realised yesterday that I was flying to Milan Bergamo not Milan Malpensa. Good job I didn’t book my transfer 🤦🏻‍♀️..I feel like this trip may be one of those where I make random decisions along the way…already eying up a boat trip in Pula, Sailor Wood ahoy ⛵️⛵️⛵️ – I’ve always had the urge to commandeer a boat.

Moving on…Ryan ScAir got me there only 5 minutes late, however who knew passport control in Italy could be worse than Leeds Bradford .

A seamless journey to Milano Centrale and ready for an afternoon of exploration.

I hopped on to the sightseeing bus – starting off with the historical line, not going to lie it was like a sweat bucket up there! So so hot, but managed to get my bearings and see some of the iconic Milan sites.

I then decided to do some touring for myself….I was actually hungry – it was 3pm and breakfast seemed like a lifetime ago. In the process I stumbled across the Basilica di San Lorenzo, surrounded by what appeared to be Roman walls a quick peek inside followed by a chicken ceasar salad, washed down with a nice cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc…when in Milan 🤔

A stroll down to Naviglio Grande ended with me being on a cruise; I’m not talking the titanic and the fact I could see the bottom of the canal leads me to believe that I could survive a sinking ship….I was more interested in finding the correct bar for an Aperol to try and watch the sun go down in 3 hours time. ⛴⛴🌄🌄

I stumbled across a little square next to the canal and bought myself an aperol magnet and a little painting for my bathroom! Obviously it was then way past 6 pm local time so Aperol was calling! It didn’t disappoint, as I sat watching the world go by…

Several Aperol later I awaited the sunset hue before a quick dash courtesy of the tram to the Duomo…crazy scenes , absolutely spectacular scenes! I ended up being serranaded by a man from Kenya and received two bracelets, he kept on saying “hakuna matata” ones for luck, one is for love we shall see what happens…

Then comes the final part of the day…somehow I ended up in the Moët bar directly overlooking the Duomo, I only needed a wee – thankfully the credit card took the hit but it topped off a perfect first day…another busy day tomorrow I need to be back here for 8 to climb the tower 🤦🏻‍♀️

It’s always a bit daunting setting off on your travels flying solo – I’ve been to so many places “alone” but this trip may top it all.

I will give you a bit of a back story to how this adventure came about.

I was having a moment, feeling bored and wanting an adventure. So as you do, I popped onto Skyscanner (other flight searches are available). My search simply: United Kingdom to Everywhere 05.08. Milan came up as the cheapest the rest went from there.

So I’d booked a flight to Milan from Stansted. “How do I get to Stansted?” was the question 3 weeks before I was due to fly…the answer do a uni reunion with your 2 besties Helen and Jen, so it was decided – stage one of Wood’s adventures – To Kent I go.

Day 1 – get me out of here

After my plumbing nightmare the night before I was determined that the trip would start positively – it did, I got an upgrade on my Leeds to London journey 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻. Poached egg with avocado and toast, 2x coffee, a read of my book and I was ready for anything.

A trip across London to Royal Tunbridge Wells to meet Jen, a pedicure and a relaxing afternoon of gin followed by first dates topped off the first day, ready for day 2.

Day 2 – making friends with my new best mate.

Day 2 saw the arrival of Hels and my new best mate Wilf. Despite his meltdown I still have a soft spot for him. Such a charmer, can not wait to embarrass him when he’s older! 🤣🤣…lovely afternoon involving aperol, DIY, and cuddles.

These two have been awesome since leaving uni and to think I met Hels 10 years ago is crazy! 😍😍…Here’s to many more years of swiping left/right and lovely reunions.

Day 3 – let’s be tourists in London

A trip to Spitafield and Brick Lane market, a vegan festival (top watermelon mojito), fab coffee, a trot along the river (Tower Hill to Waterloo), a wine whilst listening to the Amadeus Sextet at the National Theatre (sophistication at best) and a train journey to Stansted. A lovely day, with a top mate.

A couple of vino tintos, a chat with the waiter, a cheeky Marie Kondo style re-pack (I’ve got the fear of my bag being to big!) and I’m ready for the off.

Am I nervous ✅, am I excited ✅…next stop Milan 🍷🍷🍷💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻