Left the terribly noisy campsite and headed for Italy. Travelled through torrential rain and scary thunder and lightning just over our heads, but finally reached the coast of Italy. Drove west along the Italian Riviera coast (Liguria) until we reached Alassio. Weather immediately sunny and hot.

There we met up with Andrew, Sara and baby Emerson . They had been staying with Johanna in Marseille, having flown into Geneva from USA a few days previously. So good to see them all, especially Emerson - now a very active, talkative toddler of 14 months. We last saw them all at Christmas at The Gap.

Lazy afternoon looking around Alassio, the beach and the shops. Quick dip in the (cold) hotel pool on the 7th floor with fabulous views of the coast. Then out to dinner overlooking the Mediterranean. The others tried a local cocktail with Campari, not a great hit. Makes you feel like a real tourist, joining all the other, mostly Italian, tourists walking along the promenade. Great to stay in a hotel too - Grand Hotel Spiaggia (Grand Beach Hotel)