Vico Equense 2 - 11 October 2022

Bit of a rubbish sleep last night - was fairly warm, and probably worried that I wouldn’t wake for the 6.30am alarm!

Tintin on the other hand had a hangover - Aperol spritz got the better of him this time - had to start the day with a plink, plink fizz - but recovered a little later.

We were down waiting for the boat from about 8.45am, but it didn’t arrive until about 9.30am. We had to laugh, it looked like the gates to the pier were padlocked, no - the crew undid the rope and pulled the locked padlock through - clever really!

The boat wasn’t full then, next stop Sorrento to pick up lots of people. Took about 70 minutes to get to Positano (at 11.30am)  where we have two hours to explore.

We climbed the steps to perhaps the top road - absolutely stunning views from up there.

We were feeling peckish, but restaurants seemed expensive, plus we didn’t want to waste time waiting for food, so we popped into a little shop. Bought one family size bag of crisps, we asked how much, she said €5, we must have both exclaimed, she said no - €4.50 - wonder what a local would pay? There’s never prices on things in little shops!

You don’t want to have to fuel up here either - €2.06/ltr.

The shops, although tourist shops, have an upmarket feel about them - so many clothes shop, mainly linen - lovely to wear whilst here, not much use back at home. You can have shoes made to order, jewellery shops, plus lots with anything lemon related!

Had a quick look in the church, very gold and white. Positano is popular with artists, stars and sophisticates, with an excellent if expensive array of restaurants and hotels.

Beautiful ceramic tables, and also lots of tiles and vases and dishes…

Next, my favourite part of the day - went for a swim! The sea was a lovely warm temperature - and just so clear. Once we swam out a little, there weren’t many people. Had a lovely chat with a man, and presumably his best man. He was due to get married in 3 hours, and was calming his nerves and chilling out in the sea!

They did a reccy in April before committing to where they were having their day, wanted to go swimming - couldn’t because of massive numbers of jellyfish. I’d read about them, but got lucky today - didn’t encounter any!

At great expense of €7 for gelato, I had a combination of some sort of orange one, and a lemon one. Tintin chose tiramisu and strawberry. Had in cups instead of cones - perhaps you get more gelato? Anyway - creamy, smooth, cold and good.

Everyone back on the boat for 13.30 departure. Next stop Amalfi at 14.00 for 2-1/2 hours exploration time.

Amalfi has a very different feel to it, probably because there were loads of coaches/buses/cars just near the quay.

First stop, up the steps to the 10th century duomo. It was rebuilt in the Sicilian Arab-Norman style in 1203. Legend says the town was created by Hercules (a busy fella!), who fell in love with a nymph called Amalfi. Their love was short lived, as she died young, but Hercules promised to bury her in the most beautiful spot in the world, and built Amalfi in her honour. History books tell a different tale!

Amalfi was one of the four powerful Maritime Republics of Italy and during the Middle Ages (839 - 1135) it had prolific trade relations with other countries, in particular with the Orient and the regions of Maghreb. The cathedral is a testimony of this glorious past. Tintin wasn’t keen to visit, but as we won’t be coming back (?) - we paid €6 entrance, and whizzed through.

The cloisters have 120 slim columns with oriental style intertwined arches. I do like cloisters!

The museum contains quite a few pieces, and the crypt - well, I wasn’t expecting that! I have all the words in a leaflet - but you’ll have to do with the pictures!

The bronze door was cast in Constantinople in 1057, and donated by a rich and powerful Amalfitan merchant.

Next up, more street wandering, then stopped off to eat. I had a limoncello spritzer - quite nice for a change. I had the caprese salad, Tintin had tuna, onions and tomatoes with rocket - €24. It was busy, and we waited quite a while…

We popped into the chocolate fountain shop and were immediately given a couple of chocolates to try, plus another biscuit (like in Sorrento yesterday) - great - like having dessert!

So, a double dipping kind of day! It didn’t look very inviting, as it had clouded over a bit - but had a lovely swim/bob around from the public beach area.

Took a few more photos of the tiles, then walked back to the ferry.

It was full a good 10 minutes before departure - and we couldn’t find a seat. I spent about 90 minutes standing, until most people got off at Sorrento. Tintin nabbed someone’s seat who thought he could stand at the side taking photos, and have his seat when he wanted - not so on an overpacked boat!

The ferry cost for both of us was €90. I’d really wanted to get the bus, as I’d read how brilliant it was as an experience. However, everyone wants to sit on the right hand side, of course not everyone can, plus often people have to stand too. I’d wanted to get to Ravello, but wasn’t sure we’d have enough time from Amalfi. Most days are a compromise! At least we didn’t have to wait around for a bus into Sorrento, then a bus onwards.

Plus, Tintin enjoyed being on a boat again! It was lovely to see the towns slowly emerge as we approached - probably more anticipation this way.

We both preferred Positano - and the best views were from in the sea! Amalfi seemed to cater for mass tourists more - as did Sorrento really…

I really, really miss both my Mum and Norma more after having visited so many places they’d both been to - would have been lovely to discuss at length! Rod, you’d better review your diaries for when we get home!

Back to the same little question - where are we going tomorrow? Yet more research needed.