A brush with the law...

We have now seen another side of Italy.



Some of the lovely streets of Orvieto.



Tuesday started out as just another beautiful day in downtown Eremo Paradiso and we thought a drive in the country would be a good idea. So after a pleasant breakfast, we headed off to one of our favourite towns, Orvieto. We offered to let John Poll drive which he did very well.

We all enjoyed a day of eating and discovery and started our return journey around 5-ish. John again drove while the rest of us relaxed in the back. All was fine until we reached the track to our house (best described as a creek bed).

John had not had the privilege of driving UP to the house and we failed to advise him to keep up a steady pace. About two thirds of the way up he stalled. Now we need to tell you that our beautiful car has a strange manual handbrake so a handbrake start is not easy. Try as he might to drive forward the car insisted on slipping back down the track, unfortunately closer to the edge. When we realised it was in a precarious position, we thought it wise to get out as quickly as possible.  We then saw one rear tyre was in space.

We tried to push the car away from the edge but the tyres had no traction. Now what? Marg and John Reid headed up the track on foot to see if they could get some neighbourly assistance. No one home! Marg then did a marathon run down the track with super human energy. No one was home at the first house on the road or the second or the third, but ‘Our Lady of Eremo Paradiso’ was not daunted. Well on her way to Mr Grumpy’s she finally knocked on the door of a family at home. Of course they couldn’t speak English but somehow she made them understand that her auto had a molto problemo and she needed assistance. Father, son, daughter and Marg loaded into their small car and headed back to the rescue.

The track above the house
doesn't show the deep
trenches and ruts we have
to navigate in the stretch
down to the road

It took some time to discover the metal rod which had to be screwed into the bumper so to attach a rope to try and pull us out. No good. Their little car couldn’t get traction either. No worries mate! The father made a hurried call on his mobile and a friend in a 4 wheel drive soon appeared. After failing to pull the car again decided to turn his car around and pull in reverse. Praise God it worked! After many grazie’s, hugs and back slapping, Our Lady of Eremo Paradiso gave them a bottle of wine each (conveniently bought on our way home from Orvieto).  It was now about 8pm and dark.

That would have been enough excitement for one day but there was more. Strangely the front door was easily opened, a light was on in the Reid’s bedroom and the Poll’s clothes had been messed up in their bedroom. Yes, we had been burgled. Further investigation we discovered John Poll’s iPad had been stolen along with some jewellery, perfume and Janette’s pyjama top.  (We later discovered chicken had also been taken from the fridge!)  The thieves had forced the front door.

What should we do? We called Brigitte and Piero where we had dinner last week. She kindly called the Carabinieri (local police) in Assisi for us and they suggested we pay them a visit next morning. 

At this stage food was not high on the agenda but we managed to polish off a couple of bottles of wine and feasted on cheese, bread and marinated sardines.

Our trepidation about the Carabinieri visit was unfounded as the chap had excellent English and was very helpful.  He also had the loudest voice I think I’ve ever heard! We filed a report, he said he thought the culprits may have been some gypsies roaming the area in a black Polo.  Jan had seen a small dark car drive past the house the day before, then drive back again.  She now wonders if they were watching the house.

Now we had to find someone to repair the door and improve security.  As we were leaving the carpark in Assisi, we bumped into Brigitte (not literally), who called her husband to see if he could recommend anyone.  Piero rang a chap who lives in Paradiso. Marg drove down to catch him while he was home for lunch and he came up that afternoon to install new bolts.  He’ll return next week to add another lock. 




Nothing can spoil the beauty
of this place

 

Despite the loss of property, we have all felt God’s protection.  There was no major damage to the house, no vandalism, all things taken are replaceable and we were all safe.  Birgitte and Piero were so helpful, the policeman spoke English, and the door was repaired promptly by a lovely local chap.  We called Marg Pont to let her know, and reassured her that we have actually enjoyed some aspects of the experience!