Another beautiful day on the Amalfi Coast. It was initially overcast but the sun burnt off the grey clouds by late morning. We took the bus - 45 mins. It was reinforced to me today that in Italy it is not the destination but the journey. Primarily because the journey is always so complicated because we have 21st century traffic on medieval capacity roads. By the time we reached Positano I felt we'd bonded with most of the other passengers as we shared the thrilling ride, provided by the fearless driver.
Amalfi Good Friday procession captured in this mural.
As well as limoncello and ceramics, Amalfi has a long history of paper making. Here in this beautifully appointed store is a selection of handmade paper.
First glimpse of Positano. It is one of the main towns on the coast. It had its heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries as a port but subsequently became a poor fishing village. It had a major revival as a tourist destination in the 1950s after John Steinbeck visited the area and wrote an article promoting the town.
Iconic ceramic mural of the town.
As we walked from the bus stop it was obvious that Positano relies totally on the tourist dollar.
Streets and streets of linen clothes and ceramic souvenirs.
Tour groups, day trippers flooded the streets. This is also a major ferry port for day trips to Capri and beyond.
We headed away from the town on a little coastal path. This is one of the many little historical towers along the shore. This one is now a spectacular modern home.
This is the garden below.
Another beach and tower (now part of a hotel) and just above it we found just what we were looking for.
A scenic view and a reasonably priced lunch.
We selected the suggested menu. This was the fish soup. We wondered why we were given a knife and fork. Just delicious with a rich broth.
Apart from shopping there is not any main attractions in the town apart from the cathedral, Santa Maria Assunta. The majolica - tiled dome is visible from every aspect. Inside the church is a stunning icon of the Black Madonna. Legend has it that pirates stole it from Byzantium. Sailing up the Adriatic coast there was a terrible storm and the Pirates heard a voice call out "Posa, Posa!" (Put down, put down). So they pulled in to shore, leaving the icon and the storm abated.
The tiled dome amongst the brightly coloured hotels and apartments.
A full complement on the ferry. Another gunfight getting embarking and disembarking.
Medieval buildings along the shore remodelled for modern use.
Our hotel, The Bellevue Suite, viewed from the ferry.
Defying the odds and walking down to Amalfi for dinner.
Da Maria Trattoria - with lots of Marias to support it.
Bit of local dynamic talent to add a bit of atmosphere.
Lots of atmosphere and activity in the lively Amalfi main piazza tonight.
M&M
No comments:
Post a Comment