Jon arrived in Bari late on Saturday evening and we had a catch up on our plans for Croatia and what we had to do to have a good summer sailing season. The Ray Marine engineer did not come to fix our wind instruments but then it was a Public Holiday weekend: Republic Day.

On Saturday we went off to the old town for to visit one of the three splendid castles; one is enough for one day; they are huge, very imposing and well worth a visit. More to look forward to on our return at the end of July when we come out of the water.

I have not quite got everyday life pegged yet in Bari. We are at the far end of the Port and it seems you need a taxi to go most places or get to grips with the busses. The marina gave me a leaflet for the laundrette which was a 2.5 km walk away, but looked really close! I got lost and doubled the distance but a little Italian lady took pity on me and walked me there. Luckily I had my wheeley trolley and took a taxi home. It was a very impressive self-service laundrette once I got there and air conditioned. Super market shopping is a bit sparse near the yard but along the beach front there is a huge emporium with a cinema, eateries and Selfridges type food counters. I got told off big time by picking out my own onions and weighing them. And then I did it again, not realising what I had done wrong. The lady on the deli sauces and mayo counter and I started chatting whilst I tasted her products; her family live in Marina di Ragusa; what a small world. Hopefully she will come and visit us in the autumn when we are back in our winter berth.