SUMMER 1963 TOUR, p.13

Saturday, July 27 continued: Then on to Menton, where around 12:30 I parked Rose on an attractive cafe-terrace, while I went tanking. Next, we crossed the Italian border without inspection, bought a membership in the Italian Automobile Club for 21 frs, and exchanged our few remaining francs.

click to enlarge map

click to enlarge map

ITALY was unbelievably crowded and warm, with hundreds of scooters exposing attractive females and legs. Many curves, excellent road, but one had to pay to get to the beach. I was getting tired and irritated and after another stop for excellent hot chocolade (neither of us could eat) we took the crowded Autostrada to Genoa

There, we turned off to a garage where a man promised us a room for $ 4 in Hotel Lausanne, wither I dragged poor Rose who in turn was dragging her doll Willy up countless stairs.
"Our" man now said they had no rooms without meal, so insisted on $ 8. When we refused, he called another place which quoted $ 5 without food. So along we went, installed Rose in a majestic bed and were happy...till the manager arrived and told us to leave or pay $ 11 for room and dinner. After much quibbling I settled on $ 8 for room and a single meal - Rose refused to eat - so I had a soup, wine and steak dinner downstairs with a Dutch lady who was awaiting the arrival of her friend, first mate. At 21:00 I was back with Rose and tumbled in the big bed.
(a mysterious note at end of the 3x5 log states: 'Jammer, want "straatje van alles"..')