A Long Journey – part 4

Our first glimpse of Sorrento seemed promising (but appearances can be deceiving as we were to find out). Suddenly there was sunshine, pretty houses and sea views – I did nearly stab the nearby American who loudly pestered some poor local, non-english speaking Italians with “Oh my God… is that the Mediterranean” – When I pointed out that it was the Bay of Naples, he was amazed at such a thing, having, apparently, had no idea! SRERIOUSLY!!! We arrived at the Sorrento railways station and then made our way to the bus stop – this is where the trouble started; the area was packed with what felt like a million tourists, I had barely eaten all day, it was hot and the bus took over an hour and a half to show up – by the time it finally did I was so OVER Sorento I just wanted to go home… and then the bus delivered us (after a terrifying ride up a ridiculously steep hill with blind corners and narrow roads which were dealt with by aggressive driving and violent horn beeping) to Oasi Madre della Pace. It IS actually a convent with an accommodation attached, it is really, truly run by honest to goodness nuns, in habits and wimples and it is wonderful and calm and quiet and away from all the tourist crap and just what I needed. It is cute and old fashioned and just lovely. We are high above Sorento and the hoards and from the balcony of our room we overlook the nun’s garden and then in the distance, Sorrento. BUT from the terrace, just down the hall we have the most amazing, million dollar (well actually 40 euros pp, per night, plus an extra 20euro pp of you want dinner) views of the Bay of Naples and smack bang in the middle of it…Mt Vesuvius!!!! We spent a few hours just relaxing, sorting bags, doing some laundry… then at 8pm took up the option of the 20euro dinner…. OMG (can I say that when I am at a convent!!??) but there was sooooo much delicious food! Bruschetta to start, then rice, fish, fruit and biscotti – there was a bottle of red wine and then limoncello to finish – I have eaten tooooo much but it was soooooo soooooo yummy. I said we would come back again tomorrow so I think I am going to have to fast all say to make sure I can fit it all in!!!!Read more