8 September - New day, new digs

Up early to repack and head to the new place. Our new hostess, Haylie, allowed us to drop off our bags in the morning so we could get on our way and not have to kill time till check-in. The transfer of bags from place one to place was a bit daunting, and wreaked havoc on my back. Anyway, off we went to Carisbrook Castle. Unfortunately, after taking the bus to Newport, we had to walk the rest of the way. By the time we got there (80+ degrees, uphill) I was exhausted and in a fair amount of pain. At the entrance hall, we were accosted by a volunteer who wanted us to buy an annual membership in English Heritage. Again, there was virtually no signage anywhere, something we've decided is part and parcel of English Heritage, . We struggled to the cafe (did I mention is was hot?!) had very English sandwiches, and decided we'd had enough. We found out there was a bus back to Newport, Of course, it only comes once an hour and - oh, there it goes. Okay, walk the 30 minutes back to the bus station at Newport. By this time, my back is screaming. Bruce headed a few blocks away and got me a pack of frozen peas, to ease the pain, Ahhhh. Back home at last. Unpacked - yes, we have drawers and a closet! A car drives past our little villa and parks right in front of our bedroom window. I head out to find the owner of the car. He has the villa around the corner on the next level up from our place. He says sure, he'll move it. Bruce heads out to the CoOp for supplies. The car's owner comes to move the car and we have a bit of a conversation. He recommends some places to eat and things to do. Nice guy, Russell.

After a bit of a rest, we were off to town. Chose a little restaurant called The Met. order drinks and food at the bar and wait. And wait. Drinks took forever. We called the waiter (food delivery person) to ask if we could get the taramalasata first, then the other dishes. Sure, no problem. So here come all our dishes at once. Hm, look at the shock on my face. The drinks were fine, the taramasalata was okay, if dull, and not at all like what I used to get in Queens. The pork belly was probably not pork belly, but pork loin. Not soft and luxurious the way pork belly is meant to be. The shrimp and crab dip, though salty, was actually quite good. Back home. After a bit, we took a walk along the esplanade. There is an interesting display that represents the planets of the solar system, spaced proportionate to their positions in the solar system. Passed a little seaside place with a sign that made me laugh. Sorry, closed on Fridays - we get tired. Home again to collapse.