The Riches of Ravello!

The owner of 'Walk About Italy' has a PhD in geology and shared a little bit about why all the Limestone cliffs have do many nutrients to grow all the grapes and gardens. The cliffs are covered with greenery!   Apparently it has to with the calcium carbonate! I won't go into any more of the science of it, but it was interesting!!

We walked to Ravello which is 400 meters above the sea levels and was home to the richest of families of Amalfi. We visited the beautiful garden called "The Gardens of Villa Cimbrone" with a view over the sea from the "infinity terrace".

We enjoyed a fabulous lunch and then descended directly down the 1320 concrete/rock steps of the cliffside to the seaside town of Minori. While in many ways it seems easier to go 'down' than 'up' ... I just have to share that these steps are made of uneven stones and some of them are wide and some of them are deep ... and none of them are flat ... so there is no way to find an even gait! I was terrified I was going to roll an ankle if I didn't keep my eyes pasted to the path! The knees take such a kicking ... even with top of the line hiking shoes!!! I found myself wondering what on earth the locals wore on these rough stone staircases and pathways!

After a short stop at the hotel to freshen up, we took the ferry to Amalfi for dinner! And, it was there that I had the most unusual surprise. They served an appetizer of an anchovies. I really don't enjoy them. The old boy has invited me to taste them ... over and over again ... because he always claims "they are the best ever". However, much to my disappointment, they never are.

None of these ones are fried ... they were more like ceviche ... cured in lemon juice!! I would never have believed the old boy's urging that these did not taste fishy ...but ... one of fellow walkers does not enjoy them either and suggested that I try them. OMG ... they were absolutely delicious!! That is twice now that anchovies have surprised me on this trip!!

After dinner, I was so grateful that the bus was taking us back hotel. By the end of the day, we had logged 18,402 foot steps.

It's been both a blessing and a challenge to place one foot in front of the other as we make our way around the Amalfi Coast. I am so glad we have embarked on this walking journey while we can still do it. There is something so unique and special about seeing your surroundings on foot! I am also ever grateful that we have avoided the touristy crowds with this exceptional itinerary!

I chat again with you all soon,
❤️ k&j ❤️En savoir plus