Republic of Ilminster?

Being back on the road brings forth thoughts of home, but today was a pleasure as we stopped and started enjoying being "tourists" and seeing places once again. San Marino was the venue. We had stopped the previous night on THE San Marino campsite, one which we highly recommend, which turned out to be quite a lonely affair, us being the solitary occupants of what I guess would be a lovely and bustling place in high season. We therefore parked by the luxury of a 'heated' bathroom and enjoyed the facilities.

The main aim of our stay here however was to enter the Republic of San Marino.

Dutifully aided by a shuttle bus we ascended above the low mist and cloud base and rose to the castle walls of the old town. In an almost immediate way this place stuck a chord with us. We were reminded of our time in Monaco and Andorra, both places which we really enjoyed. An old walled town, clinging madly like lots of parts of Italy, to a rocky outcrop.

The out of season aspect is great, even though we are bracing the cold to be here. Essentially, we see these places without the crowds, and yes, we may miss certain aspects and may miss the glory of these places in the sun, but today was a delight. There was some warmth in the air once the sun broke. There was also a spectacular mist out of which the island mountain peaks stood nestled in soft wallowy whiteness (sorry got a bit OTT with that one!). Above and beyond that were the fortified towers of San Marino. 

(I know it looks like a ripped off photograph, but this is one of Clare's shots. A superb landscape that we all really enjoyed!)

The towers themselves were moderately interesting, but the views continued to be spectacular. Following our tower visits, hunger struck, and so we found ourselves a restaurant with another billowy view. Cracking pizzas, a German Beer and some house wine for Clare, which was a sparkling white wine affair. Not quite what she wanted, but as we looked around, it's what everyone had, so safety in numbers then. After an extended mooch including the purchasing of obligatory tat from the tat shops, we sited and successfully caught our cheap public transport back. A super day and a super place.

My conclusion is as follows, we seem to enjoy the small Republic communities of Europe. I therefore propose Ilminster becomes a Republic. I will be the Sovreign and therefore solve my future impending employment crisis. It shall be a tax haven, although I'm not quite sure how you kick start that bit but I still have some weeks to flesh out the bones of my idea. Clare and I shall cruise around the streets in a flashy Sovreigns type car, again solving another problem of finding transport when we return. It could be a Ferrari, an initial order could be made when we visit! 

Of course, if this doesn't happen we shall return to be King and Queen of our little domain and the regal transport shall mostly be a yellow VW van!