Italy Day 12

I was in desperate need for some coffee this morning, so I decided to have breakfast at the hotel, and then Kate and I made our way to the train station. She took off back for Rome and I got on the bus to head to Posetano.

After a beautiful drive along very winding roads, the bus finally stopped in Posetano. I got off at the first stop, so at the top of the hill, so I could see more of the town. I found some stairs and made my way down towards the beach, taking in my surroundings as I walked. Again, more narrow walkways and stairs, leading to many homes and a few shops. After my legs started to shake from all the stairs, I had finally made it to the bottom. It was a lot further than I thought! I strolled out onto the rocky beach were just a handful of people were sunbathing and wading in the water. I sat down and enjoyed the sun beating down, and the sound of the waves coming in. I really felt like I was on vacation here. I spent about an hour just being lazy, wading in the water and soaking up the sun before I decided to make my way back to the bus stop. I knew there was one further down, but I decided to head all the way back up to the one I got off at. Once I was about half way up I questioned why the heck I did that. I was getting really sick of stairs. But, I have to try to work off at least a little bit of the food I have eaten on this trip!

The bus came about 20 minutes after I got to the stop, and I piled in, anxious for the next leg. This is the part I have heard so many stories about, and a part of my trip I have been looking forward to the most. It did not disappoint! The road is set high atop the hillside, overlooking the coast the whole way. It is also only wide enough for about a car and a half, but it doesnt stop busses, cars and mopeds from whizzing by each other. I will have to say, Italians are pretty good drivers. I would not have the nerve to drive on that road!

Soon the bus headed into Almalfi, with white buildings scattered along the hillside, looking like they could collapse at any time. This town is set right up against the water, so no stairs! Yipee! I strolled down the docks, enjoying the breeze coming off of the water and watching the fishing boats out in the distance. I made my way through the town, again small streets lined with shops. I stopped in to get a slice of pizza from a local shop and headed back down towards the beach. I found a nice bench overlooking the water where I relaxed for a long while. After a bit, about 10 young men on kayaks appeared and started doing sprints back and forth across the water. I watched, interested in what they were doing. After a few of these they headed into a small area that had nets hanging about 10 feet above the water. They continued to do drills, but it looked like a form of hockey, but in kayaks and with paddles. It was very intriguing, and I ended up watching them for about another hour until the bus showed up to head back. I need to look into this sport when I get home!

I got back on the bus, and was again exhausted. I cant tell if my body is just on vacation, lazy mode, or if it is just done with all the walking and sightseeing. Either way though, it is a bit frustrating…

I saw another amazing sunset from the bus. It was slowly setting over the sea, which I had a perfect view of the whole time. Again, the haze was thick in the air, adding to the beauty. The sun shine sparkled off of the water, while the sky started to turn a lighter shade of blue, making it difficult to tell where the sea ended and the sky began. Eventually the sun dipped all the way down, bringing on the darkness.

The town of Sorrento was full of life when I got back. Many people must be in town for the weekend. The streets were crowded and the restaurants were buzzing with people. I decided to walk through the streets for a while before heading back to the hostel. I have started to get to know a few of the locals, and cant seem to make it across town without running into one of them. On the main street is the gentleman from the English Pub. He knows my name, but adds the à at the end, and has no problem trying to catch my attention even if I am across the street. A few times I have stopped to chat with him, but tonight I just smiled and waved as I passed. On the other street is the gentleman from the restaurant we have eaten at a couple of times. He is somewhat of a host there, working in the street to try to bring people in to the restaurant. It was really crowded this time, and I did my best to blend in, but sure enough as I pass I hear °Miss Colorado°! (which is what he has decided to nickname me) and blows me a kiss as I walk by. As weird as it all is, I will miss it here.

I am not hungry for dinner, so instead I check out the happening gelato place and then head down to the overlook. The sea is dark, but I could still see the flashing lights of the fishing boats, and hear the sound of the waves hitting the rocks, letting you know it is still there. I stay a while until I start to get cold, and then I make my way back home. I take the side street, so I get another blown kiss from the host and I say goodbye since I knew it would be the last time I see him.

Due to the strike on Monday on the train lines, I decided to cancel my reservation in Posetano, where I should have stayed two nights, and instead came back to Sorrento tonight and will head to Rome a day early. I am glad that I chose to stay in Sorrento these four nights. I felt like I really got to experience this part of Italy, without being rushed to fit everything in. I dont feel like I am missing out on not staying in Posetano, and I am actually looking forward to spending one last full day in Rome.

Back at the hostel I go down to the lounge to read a while on the couch before heading off to bed. I will very much miss this place.

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