Sunday October 30, 2011

We skipped the walk today, as we knew we had an early bus ride down the Amalfi Coast. What a lovely ride. They have changed the rules since we were here last. Cars are allowed to travel both ways on the scenic road, but busses are only allowed to travel down (South). The day was perfect! Sunny and warm with fantastic views of villages carved into the huge cliffs. It seems as if the houses are built on top of each other like a pile of a child’s blocks (see photo). We stopped at a large ceramic shop for a bathroom break and also so that we could exchange seats side to side in order that everyone could enjoy the majestic views. Our first official stop was in the town of Amalfi. Most of us elected to take a 45-minute boat ride along the coast. We had wonderful views of some lovely houses that were not visible from the road overhead. We passed the house that Sophia Loren used to own and also a very excusive hotel where the Jacqueline Kennedy and Michael Jackson were guests (not at the same time!). The captain also pointed out Gore Vidal’s home. Back on land, we had an hour to walk around the town of Amalfi. I finally found a few postcards to send to the last of the grandchildren. I could make a mint designing appropriate postcards – ah, well, another life! We then went on a bit and stopped for lunch in a lovely restaurant with fantastic views of the mountains and the sea (see photo). Unfortunately, I was not crazy about either of the menu choices and the dessert was soaked in liquor so I am quite hungry now as I write and wait to go out to dinner. I had a salad, a few fried potatoes and an apple. Oh well, I have to start to lose the pounds from eating all this pasta at some point! We did get to sing Happy Birthday to one of our fellow travelers. Larry turned 66 today. Our next stop was to the garden of a villa in Rufolo. The town is known for music and they have a huge, but ugly new amphitheater for concerts. Wagner stayed here and composed some of his music while looking at the fantastic scenery. The villa gardens were lovely. They was set on top of a hill and you could look down onto the Mediterranean Sea (see photo). Because the weather is mild, there were many flowers still in blooms. Our autumn was late this year, but we are enjoying the colors of Italy. Some of the trees turn yellow and orange and the grape vines and other vines turn bright red (see photo). We had a long bus ride home. Our bus was smaller than the normal one which is a good thing for the width of the road going down the coast, but not so good for one’s legs – it was quite cramped. We arrived back at 5 PM and will go out to dinner with Susanne. Lana, John and Kelly are going to a dinner theater to see the Tarantella show.