21st September 2019. Stayed at the Happy camping on the outskirts of Rome.

City of the Dead

00055 Ladispoli, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

Sounds like a grim title but this morning we went to visit the Necropolis of Banditaccia. The word necropolis literally means the city of the dead. We packed up and left the campsite at about 9.30 and drove 20 kilometres to the the town of Cerveteri where on the outskirts lies the site of the tombs.

These tombs were built by the Etruscans 2600 years ago. We paid our 6 euro entrance fee and we were given a map and a remote, when entering some of the tombs you pressed the remote and lights would come on and an explanation in your language told you about the tomb you were in. The tombs were different than anything we have seen before and much more interesting than the catacombs of Rome. Unlike the Egyptians the Etruscans did not embalm the bodies and little remained of the dead when the tombs were discovered.

We spent a few hours exploring the site and were amazed at how quiet the place was, being only 45 kilometres from Rome we expected more people to be there. We had an appointment at the airport and left the at midday for a 50 kilometre drive.

Airport pickup

Our son Luke his wife Karen and there children Alexia and Riley were arriving at 1.30 into the airport at Rome. Picking up people from a busy airport in a car is hard enough but in a motorhome it increases the difficulty. Luckily there was a kiss and drop parking area near to Terminal One where I parked while Jenny headed to Terminal Three to locate them. When they were ready to be picked up Jenny gave me a phone message and I drove around to the next kiss and drop parking where we loaded the bags and 4 extra people in to the motorhome and headed to the campsite. It turned out to be easier than anticipated, luckily.

Happy Camping

This campsite is just out of Rome and one we have used twice in the past. We pre booked a cabin for Luke and his family and a site for the motorhome. The place has great facilities, a pool, restaurant and most importantly a shuttle bus that takes you to the train station. People have asked how much planning we do for our travels, well this site was the only place we pre booking on our entire trip. Most days we decide where we will stay late that day.

00188 Prima Porta, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

After we unloaded Jenny, Karen and the kids hit the pool for a swim and Luke and I went shopping at the nearby supermarket. Tonight we had take away pizza from the campsite restaurant. It was to be a very early night as the kids fell asleep early after the long plane flight and tomorrow we go to explore Rome.