Nicastro

While we have loved the hustle and bustle on the trip- today was dedicated to pure relaxation. We started our day with a delicious breakfast buffet filled with eggs, fresh meat and cheese, bread and numerous pastries stuffed with berries, creams and chocolate under the lemon tree canopy. A bit gluttonous, but what part of this trip hasn’t been?

We made our way down the steep flight of stairs to the marina where we coincidentally stopped a man to ask him directions and it turned out he was the man we were looking to meet! We hopped aboard our boat with 4 other couples and set sail (figuratively- we were on a motor boat-no sail).

We headed out and immediately grabbed the seats on the front - solid score for us. The ride out was beautiful and we were continuously being soaked by the waves as we moved down the Sorrento coast. We passed Capri and then turned around Punta Campanella where we were introduced to the Almalfi coast. The wind died down and the waves stopped splashing- not sure what caused this, but we then had an hour of uninterrupted boating which was so nice. The weather was beautiful and there was a nice breeze.
We went by gorgeous villages on the mountainsides- questioning over and over how they were able to build these towns. We also passed through a channel between 3 islands written about by Homer. This was where the sirens called to the sailors and lured them with their song, only to kill them. These private islands are now owned by famous ballet dancer, Rudolph Nureyev- tough to be Rudy...

We pulled into the Almalfi port and ventured through the Main Street. Looking at all things lemon. Almalfi is known for their lemons and they were beautiful and huge! We wandered and stopped to grab some gelato and the most delicious lemon granita-in a lemon (we did have a fun snafu where we sat at the table but then they wouldn’t let us share or get coffee at the table so we had to get up and get takeaway … but we got to use the bathroom, so it all turned out ok)! Then back to the boat!

Next stop was Positano. It was packed and we got off the boat along with a huge crowd! We started wandering and ended up at a dead-end with only one way to go and that was up! We started climbing and quickly learned how hot it really was outside! We climbed, turned and climbed some more. But it was worth it and the views were amazing. And then we climbed more. The bougainvillea lining the road was such a beautiful contrast and the climb was well worth it. Then we climbed more. Even though we were supposed to get sandwiches and snacks on the boat, once we finally descended, we grabbed a few quick and delicious paninis (napoleon and a ham and cheese) and headed back to resume our perch on the front of the boat.

Next stop was to a swimming spot where the water felt unbelievably refreshing and we were given pool noodles and snorkeling masks to look at the fish. We were kind of shocked when, 10 minutes into our first swim stop (the first of two on the itinerary), we were called back to the boat and rushed back to the dock- 1.5 hours early with no food (thank goodness for those paninis. It was 3pm by this point). Unfortunately, our 18 year old captain had received some terrible news about his cousin and rushed off the boat. We were a little bummed our trip was cut short but still enjoyed it and are sending hopeful wishes that his cousin is ok.

We walked back to the hotel and grabbed some more granita (because why not) and a dip in the pool before showering up and heading out to dinner. We ended up at La Locanda del Gusto purely for its proximity to the hotel (we were all tired and sunburnt) but definitely not for its ambience which is right on the Main Street (not atypical in Italy (or even Needham for that matter, but still loud)). But this may have been one of the top meals we have had. We started with large (and strong) limoncello spritz’s. Then their Sorrentina gnocchi to share (think Gnocchi caprese) then Dave and I split the lemon chicken, meatballs and lemon ravioli with clams. All amazing. Becky had the carbonara which was delicious and huge (also it was the Chefs specialty). Mike had the arriabata which was a little too spicy to eat but there was enough other food to share. Finished with a lemon tiramisu and some other pastries at a nearby shop and then back to the hotel.

We went to the back lemon tree patio to play some Euchre and Dave and I were killing it. The game was getting good when we spied a little friend, I mean rat, crawling through the nearby trees. No big deal. We kept playing until Becky looked up and there, above our heads in the lemon trees was our little friend staring down at us. I was the first to jump up and run, but everyone was very close behind. We all have never moved so fast in our lives. But no worries, in the end we were ok and Dave and I won Euchre tonight :)

Walking tally: 17,995 steps, 7.18 miles; 28 flights climbed.

Sun tally: a lot!!Read more