The superfast ferry was not only fast but also very smooth sailing and so after a relaxng meal I retired to my 4 man berth that I shared with no one but delighted in saving an addition $180 for exclusive use. I took a punt that as the ship was only a little over 10% capacity of passengers and the majority would be workers or families that my additional beds would not attract anyone. I was correct.

The sailing was so smooth I did not even wake when we called into the Greek port of Igoumenista to take on more passengers about 200 and freight trucks about 8 before the remaining 12hrs to cross the Adratiac Sea and arrive at 0930 in the Italian Port of Bari. I had charged Tom Tom and hope sufficient power from that charge would get me out of this large city and onto E55 the road South to Brindisi my intended residence for the night. So thanks to Tom Tom I was taken down back alleyways and to a large roundabout where the rules were who had the loudest horn or the most nerve lead the charge. Well on a large capacity motorcycle as distinct from a small scooter traffic has a habit of making way so with a little adapt use of the throttle I cleared a path and was soon on a freeway or was it a tollway, whatever they, in Italy, like Greece use the Euro and stashed in a special pocket on the sleeve of my riding jacket is carried an assortment of Euro coins and small notes just for tolls. Interstingly the toll collectors are all very patient as one rolls up to the booth,selects neutral, removes a glove,unzips the pocket,fumbles for the correct change, hands over the money,waits for that compulsory receipt, puts it away carefully, puts the glove back on , selects 1st gear and moves off. If a car behind you beeps the horn the toll collector always yells abuse at the car driver not the rider.

This road turned out to be a freeway so making a fuel stop outside Bari, I had the usual,coffee, awful thick small one mouth full and a lemon donut and the man waved me away you enjoy and pay later. If in Greece or Italty dont make the mistake and ask for a large coffee that means same size double strength spoon standing up stuff. Milk or Milka is a request only item and then you need at least 2 or 3 as they only offer small capsules not a jug.

My journey South once clear of the Industrial areas of Bari became rocky hills with houses and the ever abundent Olive groves. Nearing Brindisi i started to look for a motel or hotel no such luck I'm sure they exist but along the E55 only industry so a quick look at the map showed a small seaside village maybe that would offer accommodation. I left the main road and rode in the 20kms to this village. Yes houses no sign of commercial premises let alone a hotel motel or resort.

I rechecked my map and decided as the day was but half gone and the weather nice why not attempt to cross the heel of Italy for Taranto.

I needed fuel so diverted off the main road and soon found a service station. I read the bowser instructions. Put the nozzle into the tank pulled the flow lever and waited looked again reset the bowser tried again the same results- nothing I went inside lady said try again I did nothing. A customer came out and said "they have no fuel only diesel."He offered to take me by following to the next service station "just down the road". Well we passed the turn to Taranto and were soon back in Brindisi.

He motioned to turn right and I could see a Servo so I called in. It was closed on Sunday's but had a 24hr card machine. That cant be too hard as we have them in Australia but I could not get it to work as did most locals. Then a fellow on a motorcycle solved our problems only 2 bowsers worked on the card machine and of course they were on the next island. My turn came and yes fuelled up I returned to the card machine and awaiting me was my correct receipt. It also appeared to be a road leading to Taranto so I approached the same man and he indicated a few turns and yes I would arrive in Taranto in about an hour.

The signs were clear and in no time I was back at that same roundabout. This time it was a simple matter "hey cars I'm a motorcycle and I'm darn well going from one side of the roundabout to the other without your infernal disruptions- so I did and enjoyed the hour ride again on a freeway. Arriving at Taranto it again appeared to be mainly Industrial so I headed downtown and out around the bay surely hotels would be along the coast. Well no, so as I had no idea how to get back onto the main road I ventured further and saw everything but a hotel. Then a battered sign on an isolated cliff edge pointed into the ocean and said Mon Reve Resort. I looked at the patched track and said Why not. Some 250m down the track I could see what almost looked like an abandoned set of buildings. Well lets go see, weeds everywhere rusted steel posts and then a Security Guard came running to stop me. I removed my helmet and said "looking for a hotel or resort?"The reply was in the negative but then he added "wait here I will be back". In time he did reappear accompanied by a younger lady who spoke English. I repeated my request and she looked puzzled at the Security man and said to me ÿes follow me to reception"

A deal was struck for two nights with breakfast but added private function only today but that would not affect use of my room only no restaurant.

My room turned out to be a large unit well equipped and a little talking saw the Triumph parked out the front of my room in my courtyard.

Seems the resort really only starts to take guests in Summer with a full occupancy already booked for June & July by Italian families who come to enjoy the two pools (yes clean and full but cold) and one of the two private beaches which cost guests an additional daily usage charge. The complex was walked around and resulted in me viewing over 400 units over three levels with function rooms, a stage, volleyball courts, outside dining areas and even a diving centre. However mostly at this time of the year it is mothballed. That night only two rooms were let. The second night I was the only guest and yes they opened the restaurant for my breakfast and at night employed a chef who prepared an individual menu for their expected guests- that being me. Apart from the cold weather that prohibited the use of the pool or beach this place is great and it would be interesting to see it in full operation when they cater for 2500 guests daily. The security guard now knows me waves and opens the gate barrier as I approach,bit different from his initial reception.