TUESDAY to Monday

WE decided a longer visit to regroup and plan for our time in the United Kingdom in Sorrento.We took a fast train from Rome to Naples ,then a local train called the Circumvesuviana Train.It was a 30 stop train,so takes over an hour for a very few Km.

We headed to our hotel called Tourist Hotel…very creative…it was close to the train station and we had a generous balcony to sit on to enjoy a beer and watch the world on the street below go by!The entrance to the police station was in a small street easily seen.The police cars were very small and not meant for a high speed chase.

The next day we went for a walking tour of Sorrento,with our trusty map.We quickly came to realize that we were well above the beach and need to find the stairs down.

After the long descent,we were able to investigate the times,locations and tickets for ferry and boat rides to Capri,Positano,Almalfi.Since it was nearly lunch time,we decided it was a good time to head to Capri for lunch.WE hopped on the 30 minute ferry ride.it was a magical shoreline with multiple places to eat and shop along the water front.Most of the rest of the island was high up the hill/mountain.There were multiple vans,cars ,convertibles ready for hire to take the tour.WE chose to enjoy the town.The hillside was also dotted with hotels.

Surrounding the island are 4 well known grottos to swim in,but I had no bathing suit,due to our spur of the moment plans.

WE had the pleasure of visting our niece Katie and her husband Brent on their honeymoon/anniversary in Positano.We took the bus ride from Sorrento to Positano..again 17 km ,but 1 hour.After Sorrento there are no more trains,so bus or car.The bus ride is tortuous with a lot of hair pin turns.WE climb the mountains,which are mostly 1.5 lanes with barely room to pass.Think about a bus making such turns.The bus blows its horn pre turns.There are a number of close passings.

For me it was terrifying.We were driving a narrow road,very high above the water ,with a barrier 4 feed high ,little protection with a miss step.For some of the trip I chose not to look out the window.Again a descent toward Positano.Once we arrived near Positano ,we had to get out and walk,as the streets were too narrow for the bus to navigate.

We met Katie and Brent at the beach…they had spent the morning there.They were travelling with their best friends who actually were on their honey moon.If you travel to Italy,I would suggest water shoes,as the pre entrance to the water is not sand,but larger rocks.We located a place for lunch,and after a short time of shopping.

The four had rented part of a villa extremely high above the visible top.We decided to go visit,and after a long van ride( 50 euros),we arrived and enjoyed a drink over looking at Positano from their balcony.

Now came the next challenge for Michael and I to get back to Sorrento.A local bus took us down the hill near one of the bus stops.Once the bus is full,they do not stop.Two buses pasted us full.Night was coming and no Uber….panic.At the site we met 2 teachers from Israel for a long weekend ,and they were heading to Naples.We had a long political discussion about Israel and their take on it.Along came a car,who stopped to see if we needed a drive to Sorrento.Not a taxi,but someone heading home near to Sorrento…win,win…money for him,salvation for us.WE piled into the car.

Next date was to visit Mt. Vesuvius to climb to the see the volcano and the steam till rising.Another train to Pompeii,then a bus ride to near the base.There were a lot of buses,and a timed arrival and departure.You had 90 minutes to ascend and decent,view and take pictures.There were several watering and food stations and when ascending,wine etc and close to the top Champagne..We continued with determination.We reached the top,feeling very proud of our selves ,taking pictures,including a selfie and the steam.

Sorrento has 2 marines,the second was more of the fishing marina.We missed the stairs and took the long road.Several secluded hotels,with a different view.WE found the stairs back and the labyrinth to home.That evening we headed out to dinner,and as it was Sunday many places were closed.We chose one which had terrible Italian food.But it was the local theatre and there was a local production that night with singing and dancing with classical old Neapolitan music.

The next day was a preparation for the arrival of James,Sarah,Zoe,Ava,Marcus,and Izzy.Oh,and transfer to the Villa!!Do feel for sorry for US!