"...Can you see them
You can see them..."
This morning we had a good night's sleep here on Macari beach and drank our coffee in peace. So it was a wonderful morning like in paradise. Yesterday there were still lots of Italian white goods on the edge of the bay, all of which left last night. Probably typical weekend campers.
Police in paradise
Now there are only 3 campers in sight and one a little way off, halfway to us. Suddenly all my alarm bells start ringing, I see a black car next to the group of 3 campers and 2 men in black knocking on the door of a camper. I just say 'police', Marc understands immediately and we pack everything up in no time at all. We are already so practiced and only need 5 minutes to fold up the roof, pack the chairs, solar panel and everything else. And to get dressed, because we're both still in our surfer ponchos. Just like you do on the beach.
In the meantime, the two black men are already with the single camper closest to us. We are next. We are already sitting in the van and are about to start the engine when I see the two men walking back towards their car. First we wait and see. And then we see the car drive away again. What was that? We go to the other campers and ask.
The police don't come to us
The police officers only speak Italian, unfortunately not English. That's why communication is difficult. But it became clear that it's not about the actual camping, but about 'social distancing'. New corona rules were announced yesterday and will apply from today. As the numbers are going up, in addition to the mask requirement, restaurants will now close at 6pm from today. Our camper neighbors were warned to keep their distance and wear their masks. They had to show their IDs and these were photographed.
Police presence
None of this sounds to us like we have to leave this wonderful spot. The police are on hand to ensure that the new rules are adhered to.
Why weren't we approached by the police? We don't know and don't want to speculate.
And of course we don't have a photo of the police again. I just don't think about taking photos in the moments of shock, it's more important to save our skin.
Friend and helper
Why are we reporting on this mission? We simply want to take up the cudgels. On the one hand for freestylers, wild campers, wagon folk & co. In other words, for people like us. Who try to find their spot in Mother Nature to set up camp. And on the other hand for the police.
If you are a camper like us, you have to be aware that you are breaking the rules. In many places in Europe, there is a general ban on wild camping. Time and again we hear that in many countries, especially on the coast, you can expect high fines and constant checks. This means that camping is prohibited outside designated campsites or pitches.
Private land is often an exception to this rule. In most countries you are allowed to camp there in agreement with the owner. So ask nicely. So much for law and order.
But what are our experiences in this regard? We can only report good things so far. Regardless of whether it's the gendarmerie in France, the Guardia Civil in Spain, the GNR - Guarda Nacional Republicana in Portugal or now the Carabinieri in Italy. Contrary to all gloomy prophecies, so far we have only met friendly, tolerant and polite police officers. We have received praise for our garbage collection campaigns, a smile for how quickly we can pack or indirect health recommendations as in today's case. In Portugal, for example, we were warned of an approaching storm. So far, our experiences have been consistently positive.
However, we have also experienced in the past that not everyone on the same beach was treated so courteously. However, as is so often the case in life, it is certainly down to how I communicate with the other person. "The guys" are just doing their job, let's not forget that they are our friends and helpers. So smile and apologize when you're in the wrong. And be grateful when they turn a blind eye. Thanks "guys"!
As we're already packed anyway, we go shopping after the shock. Because nothing builds you up more than a good meal.
"...day and night she will be with you
They will be with you day and night - the police."
Extra wide
Shopping after the police "scare"
The nearest supermarket is not far away. At first glance, it seems quite large and well-stocked. At second glance, you realize that the shelves only appear full at first glance. The goods are arranged in such a way that the first row is usually full, but behind it is partly empty. Many things are simply sold out. We will often find that not everything is always available here on the island, some things are simply not there. For whatever reason.
You're not in a big city like Cologne, the infrastructure just isn't there. Or is it because of Corona? It's not always easy for us, because we simply don't have space in the van for stockpiling. We shop every 3-4 days and then hope to get what we need. It's usually fresh fruit and vegetables and we can adapt to what's on offer. Are there no pears today? Never mind, we'll just eat apples. It's more difficult with my milk alternative for my morning coffee. It would be a shame if I had to drink it black. I'm curious to see how things develop. We'll keep you posted.
After shopping, we drive back to the bay of Macari and open our home office. We drive a little further into the road so that we can be seen even less from the road.
Inconspicuous enough?
We are always being asked about the look of our van. It would be so unusual. Why didn't we choose something more inconspicuous? Yes, in a city like Cologne, our van stands out like a sore thumb. But that's not our aim. We like to be out in nature, free and wild. And there's nothing better than our Urbancamo. Or can you spot us immediately in the photo?
English 
German 
Italian 
French 
Japanese 
Dutch 
Spanish
Recent Comments