One of the advantages of living in Italy is the proximity to other areas of discovery. We usually plan to visit one or two each time we are here. Our most recent excursion was to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. These places have vistas of great beauty, but they co-mingle with a large number of tourists, mostly American.
Our base for the trip was Sorrento, where we had a balcony with a view of the Gulf of Naples. After enjoying a primo dinner at one of the local trattorias, we started our first full day in the area by walking a mile and a half to the port to catch a boat to the Isle of Capri. The walk was downhill and quite doable until we approached the steps needed to reach the water area. Mike believes we moved downward the equivalent to a half of Washington Monument. Later we learned that there is an elevator. Sigh….
Our tour guides were enthusiastically ready. Keeping the groups small, twelve or under, we ventured toward the rocky island known for accommodating the rich and famous. Our first stop was the Blue Grotto. Some sites must be seen, but whatever the price, they will not live up to expectations. Think: Plymouth Rock, Liberty Bell, and Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Blue Grotto falls in this category. After paying to get over to the isle, you owe an admittance fee of 18 euros per person for a ten minute visit. Your personal guide may inform you that tips of 10 euros a piece are enjoyed. So… for around $150, I scooted down in the boat entering through a narrow opening, and rode two turns around a pool of water. It is indeed blue, and is quite pretty, but very, very, touristy. The guides all sang “Volare” to set the mood. Am I glad I did it? Yes, but you need to be honest about what you are doing.
This island is quite hilly and rocky offering raw grandeur as you traverse around it. Later, we docked and walked up several flights to finally board a bus for the City Square. It was steep and narrow. There you had the choice of shopping and eating – all things quite expensive. We settled for a freshly made orangeade and later an ice cream sundae. Both were worth it.
The next day, Mike was willing to drive around the Amalfi Coast despite warning that a bus would be better. I am glad he is so courageous, as we could stop and take photos along the way and were not beholden to a schedule. Again, the breathtaking scenery was stunning. Making a stop in Amalfi for lunch, we meandered around the narrow streets and did a bit of shopping.
This area is worth a visit, but one time was definitely enough for us. Wondering the streets and hearing mostly English took a bit of the magic of the area away.
