Well, I had read and heard stories of both the beauty of this area and the horrendous mountain roads from one town to the next: narrow, very winding roads, crazy speeding Italians in their Fiats on the wrong side around a bend, sheer cliff drops etc. And can I say ALL OF IT IS TRUE (to a degree). FANTASTIC VIEWS, the road winds around the outside of the mountain, barely enough room for two cars in places (you pray a bus does not come around the corner as they ARE on the wrong side of the road. Speed limit about 30 kms at best says it all). The Italians do drive around there fast – and are happy to pass on a blind bend. But, it was all worth it. We stayed in Priano, between the popular towns of Amalfi and Positano. Mainly because we had the car and I had found a lovely hotel with 180 degree views of Positano and the sea and it had a private parking space for the car. Did a deal with the family who owned the hotel...if we paid cash we got a suite at the ½ price I could get on net. Absolute bargain...very large room, huge balcony. It was all done in Vitriec tiles. The owner was quite proud of them. As there is only one road, and our hotel was perched on the ravine side, we went for a small walk...little crazy as no footpaths. You are on the road with crazy fiat drivers and even crazier bus drivers...think everyone here has unresolved Formula I racing dreams... Gorgeous church here and the church bells ring out every hour. Quite beautiful. Walked around the lower cliff and the coastline was lovely. The water is aqua...reminds me of the water up in Mission Beach, Northern Queensland.
Pompeii – decided to drive (because the bus driver would not sell us a ticket and we did not know where to get one as shops didn’t open till about midday). Pompeii was incredible... a whole town destroyed by the deadly Mt Vesuvius eruptions in 79 AD. Apparently the people had no chance to escape and died where they stood, due to the gases, heat and ash. The whole town was buried in metres of ash within a few hours. In fact the whole town was covered. Having been redug out, it is amazingly preserved. (Though watching the news tonight ... 2 days after we were there... a seven meter length wall just collapsed).
Mt Vesuvuis - Later that day we caught a tourist bus to Mt Versuvius...the cause of all the damage. The walk up to the crater was incredibly steep and thankfully it was quite coolish, though we were warned that it was extremely windy at the summit...and it was. The crater was huge and still had vapour leaking from parts of it. You can imagine the ferocity of the explosion and how devastating it was. Dinner in Pompeii, which is a little run down and home.
Isle of Capri – decided to trade ruins and volcanos for a glimpse of the life of the rich and famous. Caught the jet boat over ($80.00 return). Little more than 15 minutes and a bumpy journey and we arrived at the harbour. A quick funicular ride straight up took us to the city centre. The view down over the harbour was lovely. Decided to have lunch first... let’s say that the service charges were as much as the meal (about $25.00 before we even ordered). Rick nearly had a coronary...but no ;point worrying about it. Quick chat with guy at tourist office and we had a plan. Decided on the Arco Naturale ( a natural rock arch which is huge) first. Took us about 30 minutes to walk to. Very hot and the steps were a pest. Met a few people who gave up, but we got there and I am glad we did. It was great. Spent a while admiring the view. Next was the Giardini di Augusto, which are small gardens among rocks and trees with superb views of the Faraglioni. Very relaxing here. On the walk back found a perfumery where they manufacture the perfume on site. The vats were huge and it was very interesting. Bought a lovely bottle of their floral range. Back to the square and we browsed the shops... Prada, Versace, Rolex and Roberto Cavalli to name a few. Paid $8.00 for a small coffee and headed home. Nice place...but the rich and famous can keep it.
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