easy joviality

Unfortunately, my friends, we were forced to leave the Amalfi coast this morning. We grabbed the SITA bus around 10, which gave us upset stomachs as it curved around the cliffs overlooking the ocean at breakneck speed. We took a train back to Rome, without delays this time (and with some naps here and there). Here we are, in Rome, updating EasyJov and catching up on emails. Pasta was eaten, gelato was consumed, wine was drunk… Italy was definitely a success.

Thank goodness I get to see Stephen again in a month. New York might not be as beautiful as the Amalfi Coast, but it’s a pretty close second. 

The morning started out much like the morning before it. You know, the usual: wake up; greet the morning sun whilst gazing out upon the azure sea from your beach-front terrace; indulge in a pastry and an espresso. All normal behavior. Only, unlike the previous day, we chose not to take the steps to Amalfi. Rather, we took a bus. Admittedly, our calves were a bit sore. 

Amalfi was not quite what Faustyna and I were expecting. It was a little touristy, and perhaps a bit crowded. But, that is to be expected. It is Amalfi, after all. We partook in a little beach time, enjoyed some paninis on the boardwalk, and then began exploring. 

Our explorations took us up along both mountainsides between which the town sits. The views were incredible, and we found ourselves winding beneath the city in cave-like passageways. It was an experience all of its own. We took a path up through the hills, passing homes on the hillside, until we found ourselves in the town of Atrani. Our goal was to take a SITA bus back to Minori. We found ourselves stranded at the last stop in Ravello. A bit tired, we once again took the steps down from Ravello to Minori. We bought some beers,and we once again enjoyed the early evening from the comfort of our terrace. We talked about life and how fortunate we are.

Dinner was lovely, involving wine and pasta, and we followed it with a bit of bedside yoga. It was to be our last night on the Amalfi coast before we set off toward Rome and our prospective homes, and it was all too enjoyable. 

I used to think that I was a pretty good writer. I loved to write, and I thought that my vocabulary and syntax, etc. created pretty good sentences—as in, people could easily see what I was describing and put themselves into the world I created with my words. But, faced with the task of writing about Ravello, a small little town overlooking the Amalfi Coast, I just know that my words will not be able to do the experience justice. The pictures…well, they will be a little better. But really, you must all just go. That’s the only solution we have here.

The morning of May 2nd started off with a visit to the local pasticceria, overlooking the ocean. A creme-filled croissant and espresso for breakfast? Please can I have that everyday? We then decided we were ready to begin the trek up to Ravello, but nothing could have prepared us for the amount of steps that awaited us. And nothing could have prepared us for the views that awaited us. The hike up took around two hours, with frequent stops for slightly out-of-shape Faustyna to pretend she was soaking in the sights when really her heart rate was just a little too high to be comfortable. Damn those French cheeses!

Ravello…where do I begin?! Lunch was prosciutto e melone and a caprese salad on a terrasse overlooking the Mediterranean. Afterwards, we just walked around aimlessly. Sometimes, that is the best way to discover a little town. We stumbled upon one of the most beautiful little hidden parks. We had lemon granita in the main piazza. We took a lot of photos. Mostly, we just loved life. 

In the late afternoon, we headed back down the cliffs to Minori, our legs shaking from fatigue but our minds (and hearts!) telling us that it was all worth it. A bottle of wine awaited us, which we consumed on our porch (also with a view of the ocean). Dinner? Was fabulous, as per usual. Amalfi Coast, you are heaven.