After our time in the Naples area, we were all excited to visit the Amalfi Coast, which proved as beautiful as we had imagined.
Our apartment, in a secluded little neighborhood, looked out to Li Gilli, small islands that were once the secluded hideaway home of Rudolf Nureyev.
Our neighborhood was quiet and serene, but once you left our little enclave, you soon encountered what for us makes the area less appealing—far too many tourists and cars.
Driving is a nightmare, given the number of cars and the paucity of roads.
We made the wise decision to hire a car and driver, making it possible for all of us to enjoy the scenery and interesting Amalfi Coast towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
Our driver, Antonio, picked us up at our doorstep and chauffeured us to our destinations with skill and a caring demeanor.
He made the trip that could have been exhausting and nerve racking, worthwhile and enjoyable.
His knowledge of the area and advice enabled us to see and do things which would have been impossible on our own.
Our first stop was Positano.
On Bonnie's bucket list, she and John thoroughly enjoyed the town and the shopping and people watching it provides.
We, on the other hand, like the town's beauty and charm, but found the crowds quite challenging and off putting.
We all had thought that October would be less busy and crowded, and it was, but there were still an incredible number of people thronging the streets and choking the shops and restuarants.
Antonio suggested that we next visit Ravello, once the home of the American writer and bon vivant, Gore Vidal.
We were not disappointed.
Sitting high above the sea, it offers magnificent views, fewer tourists, and the opportunity to walk about its lovely main piazza with fewer distractions.
Our lunch was delicious and the views from the restaurant were spectacular.
We finished our day in Amalfi. Once a Mediterranean Sea power to rival Venice and Genoa, ...
... it is now a sleepy little tourist town with a beautiful renaissance church dedicated to St. Andrew, the local patron, and a quaint harbor and central plaza.
We all agreed that our Amalfi Coast adventure was was fun and enjoyable. As the day ended and we made our way slowly back to our apartment, it was nice to be a passenger and to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean.
