Traveling Near and Far

Italy, Part III:  Florence From the Amalfi Coast, we made our way back to Salerno by boat, then the train to Florence with a short stop in Rome. I could live in Florence now!  And I did briefly many years ago.  It still has all the ingredients.  Think of the Renaissance, which is enshrined in its buildings, paintings, sculpture, books, and music. Then there is the walkability of the historic center, with the Arno River cutting through it.  Ancient bridges, incredible museums and churches, markets, eateries, cultural activities day and night....so much to do and to absorb! Everything is special, including nightlife and food.  It's just that too many people have discovered Florence; tourism is really big.

The Amalfi Coast:  March 31 - April 14, 2017 The Amalfi Coast is gorgeous and, therefore, famous.  Since Roman times.  We left Arpino by car and made it to Salerno, a seaside town just below Naples, in time for lunch.  From there we traveled by boat headed for Positano.  Except that we had to land at another town because of rough seas.  A bus took us up the curvy highway with breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, a good distraction from the nail-biting driving along the narrow roadway. Positano, built up along the mountainside, is such an attractive and vibrant town that provides incredible views of the royal blue sea.  Couldn't get enough of that!  Walking up to our hotel and down to the beach surrounded by restaurants, shops and other entertainment was a daily routine and great exercise. On one day we took a boat trip to Capri.  How can you be close and not visit the crown jewel of the Amalfi Coast?  I had cousins there and h...

March 31 - April 14, 2017 Arpino (province of Frosinone), Italy -- Our visit to Italy began with Arpino, where I laid to rest my mother's ashes in the family mausoleum.  This adorable town is nestled in the hills between Rome and Naples.  The town existed before Roman times.  It has had its share of personalities, such as the famous politician/philosopher/orator Cicerone.  More recently, Arpino was a strategic point across from Casino, where intense fighting took place during WWII. Arpino was spared the bombing, though not enemy activity.  I know because my Italian mother and family left Rome to hole up there, laying low and staying safe. Arpino is approximately two hours driving distance from Rome and a delightful detour when headed to the Amalfi Coast.  Though unknown to most tourists, Arpino is an architectural delight, has clean and fresh air, views of the valleys below, delicious food, and decent folks.