We have just returned from a trip to Italy! Flew out with BMIBaby from Heathrow and touched down in Naples. One coach trip later and we found ourselves in Sorrento. We were staying in the Admiral Hotel which was in a great location in Sorrento in an area known as Marina Grande - turns out to be the nicest bit as far as we were concerned. Our view from the window was fantastic - looking across the bay to Vesuvius on the horizon. It was like staying in a little fishing village but with great restaurants. (I should say at this point that once again the diet has gone by the wayside due to the lovely wine, pasta, pizza and fish available).
So anyway we went to Amalfi by bus - it rained but was pleasant enough. Next day tried to get into Pompeii but the guards were on strike! We saved the day though - got back on the train (only 3 euros return) and got on a bus to Positano. Lovely town which is on the seafront - there was a cartoon festival going on at the time. The local children were very excited by seeing some famous Italian movie stars - we had no idea who they were. Afternoon fell asleep on the beach.
Next day we took the ferry to Capri. Great scenery - very expensive shops. Made the mistake of sitting in the main town square and ordering a couple of drinks and icecreams without seeing any prices - well there were none on display. Yikes! Second mortgage needed!!
Next day back to Pompeii again - and this time success. It was open and what's more was free to get in on this particular week! We stayed 8 hours and still didn't see everything. Still it was as amazing as I thought it would be - and vast.
The plaster figures were pretty thought provoking - cast from the indentations left by the bodies.
Pat took a small sample of volcanic ash from one of the original drain pipes which we now have as a souvenir. This day was the highlight of the whole trip for me!
Next day we returned again to Capri this time to see the second major town AnaCapri.
That evening being Easter week there was a religious parade in Marina Grande. A brass band led a parade from the local church and everyone was singing and carrying a large Madonna through the streets - all the windows were lit up by the locals with candles and it was quite a magical sight which we just stumbled across by accident!
We'd already love to go back. There's still more to see at Pompeii and we never got to the Blue Grotto in Capri due to lack of boats - nor did we do the walk up Vesuvius.
And we would recommend our hotel too -all in all a great break!!
View from the hotel window looking across to Vesuvius
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