Toscana and Deer

Finally, we have an Internet connection; I'm not sure how but the 3G dongle now works. It appears to be something to do with the ppp negotiation but I haven't quite worked out what, although it's definitely something to do with the initial IP negotiation. The modem always connects and establishes a UMTS connection successfully - sometimes we get an IP sometimes not. I've changed the number; the default in the script is *99***1#, but there are 4 other variations so I've changed it to *99# and it appears more reliable but I'm not convinced. I'll just have to learn some patience.

Once working there is something rather satisfying sitting on our patio on the top of a Tuscan hill reading our email. It may be temperamental and slow but it works. You would have thought having used the Internet and technology for the last 20 years I'd take it all for granted, but it still brings a smile to my face. Possibly more out of surprise the damn stuff works in the first place!

We arrived in Tuscany after a short (4 hour) drive from Sutri in mixed weather. So far the weather reports on the news, delivered by what appears to be a Colonel in the Italian air-force, are accurate. Our apartment is well appointed and has fantastic views over Volterra. The weather has since deteriorated and is blustery and raining intermittently, not that we really care. Some R&R is most welcome given the Wifey has gone done with a stinking cold. Somehow, we don't appear to ready to go out until lunch time! After breakfast and talking about the day ahead somehow it's nearly lunchtime and time to consider what to eat for lunch. Talking about food we've tried to eat typically Italian food but the other evening had fish fingers and chips for tea - how terribly British.

Exploring the local area it appears to be (or has been) used for hunting. Found a rickety shack hidden in the undergrowth that was obviously used for shelter and heat. The piles of old shotgun cartridges pretty much sealed our opinion. We've not seen any wild boar yet but have seen deer roaming across fields. On a walk yesterday while walking down an old track I disturbed a deer who ran out no more than 5m in front of me.

We've started to loose track of time and it's only because the laptop is telling me it's Wed that I know what day of the week it is. Fantastic.

France

Bonjour. Travelled across France in very quick time, making Metz in just over 5 hours with two stops. Why can't the motorways in the UK be that quiet? Ok, it was Easter Sunday and it cost us €32 for the privilege, but that's not the point.

Our accommodation is basic but very good - the shower nearly removing several layers of skin. Decided against eating in the hotel restaurant and had a Pot Noodle, our remaining tuna sandwiches and a beer for dinner - which always tastes better this side of the Channel? Probably due having been up since six and travelled 500 km. I wonder if Pot Noodle is illegal in France - I'll destroy the evidence just in case. I've no idea what they'll make of Snack Noodles! I'll save those for Italy.. wait..damn. Probably best eat them on the move through Switzerland. Wifey says that Snack noodle are a higher level of noodle cuisine as they contain a sachet of vegetables. I'm not convinced.

Orange seem to have lots of Wifi in the area, alas none of it free. No one else seems to be using it either so can't entertain myself in other more nefarious ways. Talking of which, kismet seems to work very well on a Macbook Air. Would use the 3G dongle but there doesn't appear to be any coverage (only 2G and no 3 network - so there's a high risk the cost will bankrupt me).

Welcome

Welcome! This is my first attempt at keeping a blog and I've no idea how I'll get on.

Only seven days to go before we depart on our Italian adventure. I just need to finalise our driving route through France, Switzerland and Italy, although we've booked our overnight stops; Metz and Milan. Both of us are looking forward to the drive - all 1700km of it!

Everything is paid for so we now just have to pack... never my favourite pastime. Being a bloke I'm all for packing several pairs of pants, a tee shirt and a pair of jeans. Wifey wasn't terrible impressed by this so I'll probably have to put more thought into this, perhaps an extra pair of jeans. However, I have sorted out all the technology we'll be taking with us: laptop, 3G dongle, DSLR, iPod touch, USB storage, DVDs, chargers, mobile phones etc. Lets hope we have 3G coverage where we're staying?