July 7th–Travelling the Amalfi Coast

Today we had decided would be a nice relaxed day – which is not the first time we have been wrong! Our alarm went off at 8am and the snooze button was pressed many times… it was not until 10.30am that we rocked up to catch the bus to Amalfi. Of course, when we arrived we were greeted by a long line, definitely not the last of the day. Luckily we had our Kindles so we both knocked off a few chapters before boarding 40 minutes and two buses later.

The trip to Amalfi was very windy and took about two hours – the book was abandoned quickly when nausea appeared. I spent more time sleeping on Andy’s shoulder than looking at the view, oops. When we finally arrived it was time for margarita pizza number three on this trip, sitting in the very pretty square and being serenaded by random musicians. After this we just wandered around, up a few different paths and hills, taking in the views and atmosphere.

    

Eventually, we stood in another line to get on a ferry to Positano – just as it started to rain! (apparently I attract bad weather on my holidays, Andy has never had an overcast day here). I enjoyed the ferry ride, getting to see the coast from the ocean – particularly all of the crazy houses built on such a steep incline. It all looks very dramatic and beautiful and it is clear why the Amalfi coast is so famous.

When we arrived in Positano it was still overcast and we decided a quick walk through was enough before heading back. We walked all the way up the hill, past all of the quaint Italian shops and finally reach the bus stop at the top (at this point, I was actually quite glad the hot sun wasn’t beating down). And what did we find but another line!  This line was a bit more desperate as buses were getting fewer and full busloads from Amalfi meant only a few were getting on at once. We managed to get on the second bus after another 40 minute or so wait, just after a crazy windstorm started up out of nowhere, blowing dirt and leaves on to everyone.

The drive back was long – we were standing for most of it and we hit a nasty traffic jam… it was an hour and a half before we were back in Sorrento. Time to buy some Limoncello, fruit, Limoncello Slushees and gelato! And then back to the hostel for a much needed shower.

   

For dinner we headed back to the Ristorante Bagni Delfino, which really is a special place. The weather wasn’t as good as last night but we still enjoyed sitting there watching the lights twinkle at the bottom of Mt Vesuvius and enjoying the wine. I ordered a beautiful Spaghetti Bolognaise whilst Andy decided to splash out and get the lobster! Strawberry cake was consumed for dessert – and then Limoncello of course!

Back to the hostel for an early night at 11pm, tomorrow we move on again!