Our stay in Metaponto

Well what an experience - and not one to be repeated! or to endure any longer than necessary either.

Firstly - what is the difference between a cicada and an Italian? Answer - cicadas make as much noise as Italians but the cicadas at least shut up at night.

This large camp site is full of Italians (we are the only Brits, and probably the only non Italians), all making lots of noise - talking at high volume, TVs blaring, kids screaming and music playing - all night!!

Supposedly there is a quiet time on the camp site. From 2 - 4pm during meal time and siesta, and again from 11pm until 7am for sleep time - forget all that. The meal times are a chance to yak, yak, yak, scream at children and play the TV loudly to overcome the noise of the thousands of cicadas. Today the Formula 1 Grand Prix was challenging the cicadas during siesta time as well.

Last night we were shattered after driving a long way and setting up the caravan, sunshade etc in serious heat so we were ready for bed at about 10.30pm - not that lot. When we were coming back from the shower block at that time it was like Picadilly Circus at mid day. Everyone was out partying and they were just getting the barbies fired up to cook the meals. People were talking and singing and generally having a good time, children as well. We were very thankful for ear plugs.

I know it was still going on between 1 and 2am as I got up for a drink and Steve got up as daylight was breaking to hear loads of men singing and chanting loudly - and there was no football on.

Then this morning they were still at it! Don't they ever sleep? We got on our bikes at about 10am to try to escape to the beach for a couple of hours peace and quiet - what??? see the pics - all the Italians were swarming like ants on the beach and standing in the sea and still coming down in coach loads! You couldn't see any sand at all it was that packed down there. The noise from talking and the beach music was horrendous - we cycled off to be where they weren't. We couldn't believe it.

We cycled around although it was very hot - at least in was peaceful, they were all on the beach. Then we had lunch and a siesta - with ear plugs - and decided to stick it out for another couple of nights until we go to Bari and to Greece. It will be the same in every camp site around here we are sure. This is supposed to be a quiet, remote area of Italy that is not subjected to tourism - but it is subjected to the weekend Italian breaks. As it is Sunday we just hope they will clear off this evening and go back home ready for work tomorrow and leave us in peace.

We only have tomorrow to suffer this, then to Bari on Tuesday morning.