Saturday 12 October 2013

Day 41 12-10-2013 Sat Sorrento

It was raining today but, as this was our last day in Sorrento, we decided to go ahead with the planned trip down the Amalfi Coast. Because we were first in line at the bus stop, we snagged the front seat on the right. This position gives the best opportunity for photography, and the most thrilling ride, as it is on the side of the sheer cliffs. Our morning driver was a calm and competent fellow, and there were few incidents, but many of the usual “near misses” coming around the bends.

[quaity of photos not so great due to weather and jiggly bus]










Suspicious slick

Turned out to be just mud, here exiting from a ravine




No more than a hand-width away


Streaming down from heaven

Sorrento, Vesuvius and Naples Bay
Even in cloudy, rainy weather, this ride is probably one of the most scenic in the world. We would consider coming back if clear sunny skies could be guaranteed.

We went all the way to Amalfi (1.5 hours), 



and could not resist touring the cathedral. 





St Andrew?











Mother of pearl

After a good lunch (more home -made ravioli), we took a smaller local bus high up on the cliffs to Ravello, traversing even tighter bends. 
Surprisingly comfortable bench - curve makes all the difference 



Village near Ravello


Maiori




Maiori



We visited the Villa Cimbrone, which was built in the early 20th century by a British ex pat. He hoped that the beautiful gardens, art reproductions and the view, described by Gore Vidal as “best in the world” would cure his serious depressive illness---it worked!









Long way down - intensive agriculture






At about 3:15, we started the reverse journey home. This time we encountered large numbers of fellow would-be passengers and had to scramble for a seat. The returning drivers were much more “gung ho”, and this resulted in more “incidents”, with buses passing within a millimetre etc. The homeward route took us up on the hills around Sorrento, giving fine views of the town, bay and Vesuvius. We did not arrive until 6:30pm, tired but exhilarated.


The rain stopped in the evening, so we joined in the evening passegiata.

Unrelated, a nice map of Vesuvius

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