2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Ciao from Italy . . . .

Wow, what a whirlwind two days . . .

Roma! The history, the art, the energy, the architecture, the churches, the food . . . . It’s got it all and it's amazing.  After the long flight I arrived at my hotel only to be told that they lost my reservation and they don’t have any more rooms. I wasn’t happy, but they immediately found me a nearby hotel and the bellman helped with my luggage.   Then when I checked out, I discovered that the other hotel paid for my room so I all I had to pay was 2 euros for taxes. Okay, now all is forgiven. J

By the time I arrived at my hotel, it was already dark but I headed out in search for a TIM store. I had no address but I saw it while in the Taxi on the way to the hotel.  Don’t ask me how I found it, but I did.  They got me hooked up with a SIM card and I’m good to go.  They don't sell unlimited plans, so I got the maximum internet time they had to offer. Hopefully that will last me.

And how can I be in Rome and not stop by the Trevi Fountain to toss my Euro coin in it to guarantee a return back to Rome!  Plus, I remember learning that the coins collected from the fountain are used to help feed the needy. 

There was this married couple there and it was so cool because when they went to toss their coins into the fountain the entire crowd cheered them on.  I sat by the fountain eating a nice wonderful and delicious scoop of pistachio gelato!  

Next to the Fountain I found a church and influenced by Annie’s blog I went in to take a look inside and to light a couple of candles. In the corner to the right of the Alter I found the most beautiful Mary I have ever seen. She is so mesmerizing it really took my breath away looking at her. Somehow I felt so comforted by her eyes. Thanks Annie for inspiring me to appreciate the many beautiful churches in Italy. They are truly wonderful.

On the way back I stopped to take a photo of this other fountain. I noticed a lot of police presence and this motorcade came zooming in. I was told that was the President of Italy. That explains the police presence and news vans.  By now I’m getting hungry, so I stopped by this family owned pizza.  The pizza wasn’t the best I have had in Italy, but the strawberry desert was really delicious and made for it. J

I started to blog before I went to bed but I my eyes suddenly shut down and I was out!  I had set my alarm before I went to bed. I set my alarm to wake up early so I can have breakfast and do a fast blog post before heading to Termini to catch my train to Salerno. 

My alarm didn’t go off and I woke up late giving me only an hour before my train leaves. I hightailed myself out of bed, through everything in my bags and wend downstairs to check out and have them call a Taxi.

I made my train in plenty of time.  While waiting to find out what Platform number my train will depart from I met a girl who was on the same train.  We chatted the whole time but got split up due to different seat assignments on the train.  She was cool, plus she alerted me to which car I had to get on. She was worried for me and rightfully so, because I was getting on the wrong coach. 

On the train, I sat next to the most entertaining travelers from Australia.  They were a hoot. They are in Europe for 7 weeks and they are going to a lot of places. The two Italian ladies next to me didn’t speak any English but they were a hoot too! They were very busy scratching their lotto tickets and I’m sure talking about what they would do if they won.  I know that’s what I would be talking about!  He, he.

They all got off in Naples and I stayed on until Salerno. My car service was already waiting for me.  I had heard a lot about the drive through Amalfi even seen several videos and wow!  It is exactly what they say . . . hair raising sharp turns through out.  Should I still do the Vespa adventure? Probably not. J

I arrive in my apartment and it is exactly as depicted on the Summer in Italy website. It is gorgeous!  Super clean, tasteful décor, and very well furnished and equipped.  The owner helped me to bring my bags up the stairs.  The owner, Mrs. Agata is so nice. 

And from the terrace in my bedroom!  My beautiful sunset . . .

And since I can see Positano from my Terrance, I’ll be going there tomorrow. 

Thank you everyone for stopping by!   Ciaó for now.