Amalfi Coast tour....woo hoo! What a day, what a day. First, let me start by saying what an absolutely AMAZING buffet breakfast we had this morning. We had to get up early (6:15) in order to be ready to eat at 7:00 when the restaurant opened. Our bus trip down the coast was at 7:50. Bright and early for us. I have to say that Mark is very excited about having a day off tomorrow. I guess I am running him ragged. But, I digress...breakfast was a feast for my eyes. What a spread they have here. There are egg dishes, cheese, meats, breads, and ohhhhhh the sweets. Yum! (I want to take pictures but Mark says no way!)
After our breakfast we headed out to meet the bus tour for our full day down the Amalfi Coast. This did not go as planned in the beginning. Actually, we almost didn't even get on the bus. I have to say, for those of you who really know me, that I was very unhappy and about ready to erupt. We had to keep waiting and waiting and waiting while they let all the others on the bus as they checked on our paid voucher. They didn't have us down on their list. I was so frustrated because we got there early so we could pick our seats. No, this did not happen. I honestly think the only reason we got on at all was that there were exactly two vacant seats on the bus. You are probably saying, “well that is great”. You would be wrong. The seats were not together. In fact, I had to sit all the way in the bus at the very back where there were four seats across. It was hotter than you know what and Mark was in the middle of the bus next to a British young man. It was not how I planned on taking a drive down the coast. At first I was so mad that I wasn't enjoying myself. Then I decided that I needed to cheer up and enjoy the trip. The bus ride was luckily only a part of the trip.
We stopped about 50 minutes into the journey. We got to get out and have a bathroom break and get something to drink at a ceramic tile place. The ceramics are so beyond beautiful here that I just want to buy then all. They will even ship for free depending on how much you spend. Mark says I can get one piece at a time. The prices are usually about 45 euros and up (even for the Christmas ornaments).
Back on the bus we all headed. Now, just so you know how things on the bus work.....the air conditioning was off while we were in the ceramic place, but luckily only for about 30 minutes. It was getting toasty on there and I was praying that I didn't turn into “scary hot woman”. We continued down the coast until we got to Amalfi. I love this place!! It is so serene and scenic. We paid to go on a boat ride along the Amalfi Coast from sea level. It was amazing. The picture with the helicopter in it is Sophia Loren's house. It was breathtaking. I have it in the blog. We also got to go into the little square and see the church and shop. There were some wonderful little shops. My sister will be so happy to know that I FINALLY found a beautiful cross for her that is the Amalfi design. (Debbie, you will love it. It will be your Christmas and birthday present for the next year.)
Heading out of Amalfi was unbearable because the bus had been sitting in the sun for over two hours. Everyone was dying from heat stroke. The air on the bus was not working very well, and all of us at the back were in worst shape because half of the air conditioners weren't blowing air. I wanted to cry but kept telling myself at least I was in Italia dying from heat stroke. (That seems to make everything more tolerable.)
We continued on to the next little area up the mountain which was Scala. We all got out and went to a restaurant. We got to have a full lunch with salad, wine, water, pasta and dessert for only 13 euors. That is a very good price. Mark and I lucked out because the couple we were sat next to at our little table didn't drink wine. You know what that means....yes, more for us!
After lunch we headed to Ravello to shop. Now, in one of the pictures I have in the blog you will see 7 umbrella pine trees. That is where we were for our last shopping time (2 hours). We walked around and found a few little things. Had some gelato and then got back on the bus. This time the bus was hot again and I was praying that I would fall asleep so I wouldn't know I was melting. We headed back to Sorrento. The trip took about 1 and ½ hours. I survived, but I have to say I was glad to get off the bus and walk back to the hotel. We did get to fill out an evaluation for our trip, All in all I did mark it as good, but I was very honest about the bus and how extremely hot it was.
After freshening up at the hotel Mark and I headed out to look at a few of the elegant shops that are next to our hotel. We went into a shop that specialized in inlaid wood work. I think that Mark is going to buy me a beautiful jewelry box. It is a piece of art. I can't even tell you how amazing it is. I will get a picture of it once I decide on the one I want. I honestly feel bad because it is so expensive, but Mark says it is worth it because of how well it is made. I am very excited! I am also looking at getting a small one for my little Ella Bella.
Mark decided that he needed a cappuccino and we hit a caffe in the main square. It is just such a charming little area. He wanted to wake up so we could come back and make some mimosas with our champagne. Now we are sitting out on our private patio drinking our mimosas and typing my blog.
All in all, in spite of the hot bus, today has been a wonderful day. I know each day that passes puts me one day closer to having to return to the states. It is sad, but hopefully next year at this time I will be moving to Eastern Europe and will be able to come to Italia more often.
Look for more to come tomorrow.
Ciao!
