Capri and Boating on the Mediterranean (Italy Chapter 5)

Our little boat was somewhere down there in the harbor. We were transported to the top in a bus. We had lunch and spent time on our own exploring the island.

I couldn't resist photographing this cute cat in the doorway of one of the ceramics shops on the Isle of Capri.

The temperature was in the 90's but I decided to hike across the island to see the Faraglioni rock formations. There were beautiful flowers and upscale shops and cafes all along the way.

After hiking across the island to see the Faraglioni rock formations refreshment was in order.

The flowers were beautiful along all the pathways and streets.

Capri

We took another day trip on the Mediterranean. Here are some of the photographs from that day.

We caught a boat here one day. I don't remember the town.

The coastline is dotted with small towns along the Amalfi Coast.

One day the bus dropped us off at the top of the hill in a small town. We walked a long way down this curving path to catch a boat at the bottom in the harbor. All along the way were little shops and beautiful flowers.

bougainvillea

If you are in Italy try and make time to spend on the water. The views are spectacular and offer a very unique perspective of the coastline.

My plan is to end the Italy 2009 series with Chapter 6. Join me there.

♥andPeace, Myra

Paestum, Pompeii and Naples (Italy Chapter 4)

On a very hot day we visited the ruins of Paestum. I bought a hat from one of the vendors on the street.

Our group had a guide for the tour. The guide spent way too much time talking while we stood in the hot sun. I just wanted to wander about and take photographs!

It was exciting to walk where the Romans walked. Just imagine a busy city filled with people going about their daily business.

PAESTUM

Later in the week we visited Pompeii.

MT VESUVIUS

I took this photograph from the bus on the way to Pompeii.

JUICE STAND POMPEII

POMPEII STREET

Bronze Statue

 It is amazing how much of the art has survived. Thankfully most of it has been removed for preservation purposes.

Translated - "Pleasure Palace"

There were "rooms" filled with artifacts in Pompeii

We went to the Naples National Archaeological Museum. They have a large collection of pieces removed from Pompeii for preservation in the museum.

Mosaic

I still have more to show you of my visit to the Amalfi Coast. Ciao.

♥andPeace, Myra

Vietri-sul-Mare and Salerno (Chapter 3)

We spent five nights at Lloyds Baia Hotel in Vietri-sul-Mare. From there we took daily excursions down the Amalfi Coast. Vietri-sul-Mare is situated high on the coast and is famous for its ceramics. It is a lovely small town. The residents are very hospitable. It was fun to walk about and visit with them in the little cafes and shops. Late in the afternoon they would gather in the "town square" ( I don't know the Italian name for it) and all generations would visit and pass the time. The children would ride their little bikes and the old folks would catch up on the latest gossip.  The Italians have such a passion for life. I believe they would be mute if they couldn't wave their hands and arms about as they talk! Such expression.

Street scene in Vietri-sul-Mare. This shows the strange ceramic building on the right. We learned everyday is laundry day in Italy.

Lloyds Baia Hotel, our home for five nights, in the town of Vietri-sul-Mare.

Another photo of the ceramic building.

Walking in Vietri-sul-Mare

We visited a ceramics company. This was on the building.

Before Painting and Firing

Demonstration

Finished Product

We drove to Salerno for dinner one evening and spent time walking about the city on the way to the restaurant. See the bride and groom in the photo above?

Shop in Salerno

Collette Will Take Good Care of You

Street Signs in Vietri-sul-Mare

Italy Chapter 4 - Coming Soon.

♥and Peace, Myra





Ravello and Sorrento (Italy Chapter 2)

One of the many shops in Ravello. This one featuring Italian ceramics.

Ravello offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the cultivated terraces on the hillsides. The Villa Rufolo is located here with it's beautiful architecture and garden.

I enjoyed lunch in the restaurant behind me. You can see some of the terraces on the hillside.

The Villa Rufolo

One of the Views From Ravello

The drive along the Amalfi Coast road offered postcard views at every turn.

The Italians are very proud and protective of their fruit. Our tour guide was informed us that the produce was not to be touched. If you wished to purchase something the shopkeeper would be glad to help with your inspection.

We visited a  wood inlay shop in Sorrento. Then we were free to walk about town and enjoy lunch in one of the restaurants.

I shot this photograph from a bridge in Sorrento. Such a sweet old building.

Yes, that is the road around the turn. We spent several days on this road. At one point we had to leave our large tour bus and ride on two smaller buses because the big one couldn't make the turns. At many of the turns the driver would simply honk his horn and hope that approaching traffic would hear the horn and slow or yield for the turn.

Join me for Chapter 3 of Italy vacation.

♥and Peace, Myra