Basilicata ramblings.

I think that TV companies must block book attractions to keep tourist out while they film. I have seen a documentary/travel programme about the churches cut into the Sassi caves in Matera and it looked lovely and peaceful. Now, bear in mind the season has not started yet but by 0930 the place was swamped by guided tours of clicking pink cattle blinding people with flash photography, I lasted about ten minutes then headed for the most interestingly named town on my map. Montescaglioso was lovely, it is a hilltop town and the old town is a maze where I got lost until I stumbled on a film crew shooting scenes for a film set in the fifties I would imagine by the old cars the had on set it was a pleasant cabaret to go with my lunch. The Alesidano club where I am staying is very Italian and the activities run all day until 11:30 pm. I saw what was happening when I checked in and asked to change my apartment which overlooked the entertainment amphitheater but I was assured that it would be quiet by 9 pm. Lies, lies and dammed lies the imbecillic racket went on for hours, I thought Italians were sophisticated but the cheered and clapped at what was really bad karaoke. I was quickly given an apartment well away from the action yesterday. The remainder of this week is going to be at slow pace, a little walking, panic tanning and shopping for wine and pasta before the journey home starts on Saturday.