Salerno, Italy
Sunday, November 9-11, 2014
Salerno it is. That is as far down as we will travel in Italy. Then we will head to Almafi, Cinque Terra, Rome and then to Barcelona. We have a lot to cover and only eleven more days.
Today was a beautiful, warm and sunny day that we could only experience from our train's big window. :- ) We traveled all day to get to Salerno. Boarded the train at 10:00am, then did not arrive until 5:30pm. We had a few changes and one stop allowed for an hour layover in Formia. We head outside and sit on park bench and enjoy the view of the Mediterranean. Lee picked up a couple of beers from the bar and we always have a bag of snacks. It felt so good to bask in the sun. Hope we will have more tomorrow.
We finally reached Salerno and hiked to our hotel. Unfortunately, we left my backpack behind on the train. We immediately reported and had to complete paperwork. A lady tried to help with translation, but then she left and we were a lost cause with no translator. It was not just the backpack, but gifts we had purchased for the family in Sienna. Long story short, we never saw the backpack again. We have lost or forgot a lot of things along our journey, but with our travel agenda, it is to be expected. Except for the umbrellas... :-) Don't ask?
We had a great B & B. Very luxurious. Our host was the best, which always helps. So we unpacked and headed downtown. Believe it or not, they were in full swing with their Christmas directions. Very beautiful and most big streets had different themes. They were even playing Christmas music on the streets and selling roasted chestnuts. Then time to retire.
November 10th
It was Monday, so we headed out to see the sites. We walked down to the waterfront and the view was so beautiful. Then we headed to the gardens. After we hiked and hiked, everything we wanted to see was closed. Then the rain moved in. Good time to get inside and have lunch. Need to shop for more gifts, since we are running our of time.
We were hoping to travel to Cinque Terre and Venice, but the forecast showed rain. So we decided to head out to Almafi.
November 11th
Other than a car or boat, the bus was our only transportation. It was only an hour ride, but oh what a ride. Lee described it as treacherous, scary and unbelievable. The road was very narrow and very curvy. If we were going around a curve, the bus driver would toot his horn. That was a signal to the other side to let them know a big bus was coming. If they did not stop on time, we would have to wait for all cars to back up so we could complete our turn. Visa versa... If it was a bus coming in the other direction. Crazy. We felt sure that the driver was deranged to accept that assignment.
But when we arrived, it was absolutely beautiful. The Mediterranean was on one side the mountains on the other side. It was a small quaint town and we enjoyed walking through the street. We also toured the the Almafi Cathedral. This is the cathedral that honors St. Andrew and it houses his remains.
Lemoncello shop.
Just a cute store.
We shopped and then had a great Italian lunch at one other many sidewalk cafés. We could not have asked for better weather. After lunch, we rode the bus back to Salerno. Just as much fun going home. Then we jumped on a train and headed for Sorrento. We arrived at the same time the rain arrived. Of course, we were prepared. We have been blessed with so many umbrellas along the way. We shopped and toured the city. Cute small town, then in search of dinner bit was raining, but not too cold so we sat outside and enjoyed some more Italian food and red wine. Then time to head home. No time for Naples.
Tomorrow we are headed to Rome!
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