2022/10/12 – Today is the day!!
I woke up at 5:15, mainly due to snoring but also the butterflies of excitement. Bonnie came by around 7:15 to feed horses but I had to go out because there were a few things I needed to do that is hard to explain in text. We got everything done quickly. It’s almost 8am and we leave at 9am for the airport. Flight leaves at 12:31 for Washington DC (first class). We get to use our TSA Pre-check, that should be quick and easy through security. Got on the scale, 212.1 We got to the airport around 10:10 and security was a breeze. We sat down for brunch at 10:25 right outside our gate.
Our plane left on time and we had lots of space in first class and a decent lunch. Arriving in Washington, we went to The United Polaris Lounge, where I had to change pants due to a wardrobe malfunction. We had drinks and relaxed before heading to our gate. There wasn’t anywhere to sit, so we just got in line (being group 1). The plane was a little late, but not too bad and when we got on and found our pods, it was so cool. There was a nice big screen with movies and TV shows. There was a wall that seperated us. The seats reclined into a bed and we had pillows, sheets and blankets. We ate, again, then Curtis went to sleep and I got a good rest. About an hour before we land in Brussels, they served us breakfast.
2022/10/13 – Brussels to Sorrento
Made it Brussels around 6:30 am local time. The airport was never ending and we walked at least a mile to get to the next lounge (The Loft). Our final plane leaves at 9:30 am so we have a little time. Those pods were sweet and now I might be spoiled. Made it to Naples around 12 (local time). Not my favorite part of the leg and when we got off the plane we had to get on a bus, actually the whole plane got on the same bus, to get to the actual airport. But our driver was waiting (Fina) and took us to the hotel. It’s a rainy day.
Finally got to the hotel, Grand De La Ville, and the room and view are beautiful. Curtis wanted to find food and I wanted to find a shaw so off we went into Piazza Tasso. I found a beautiful, soft sweater for $14. Then we had a brilliant light bulb moment. Next time we come, we come with only the clothes on our backs, then, we spend a day shopping. After, Curtis found a nice restaurant that seems to have a mix of locals and visitors. Before we came to the restaurant, he took me down a street to show me a mill, Valley of the Mills (circa 13 century) at the bottom of a, now, ravine.
After a good lunch, we headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest. I woke up about 1/2 hour before a knock at the door. Champagne and a huge fruit basket was being delivered. Curtis thought it would be nice to enjoy after all the travel. Headed out and walked quite a ways to find Chaplin’s Irish Bar, they have Kilkenny (score)!
2022/10/14 – Amalfi Coast Tour
Today, after breakfast, Giuseppe picked us up for an 8 hour tour through Amalfi Coast. The mountains are called the Milky Mountains for the white rocks. We drove through Positano and a few other little towns. We stopped at a shop and I bought I beautiful bracelet made of lava rock. Onto Amalfi where we spent about 50 minutes. It was beautiful but the main Piazza was mostly shopping.
We drove through Scala, which he explained means stairs. And then a long stop in Ravello where we toured Villa Rufalo. The view was spectacular. But the altitude is more than I’m used to and, in Europe, so many stairs, we had to stop at Al San Domingo for a shot of Limoncello, we HAD to, lol.
We headed out of Ravello and back to Positano for a lunch that Giuseppe recommended. $55 all you can eat (lol) traditional Italian lunch. Mozzarella salad and tomatoes, pizza, pasta and desert with red wine. We ordered Limoncello too. And the view, gah, the view was spectacular.
After lunch, Giuseppe took us back to the hotel. He explained to us about the service industry, like what he does. They actually go to school to learn to be better waiters, drivers, guides, etc. Although, Americans are used to fast service even at a fancy restaurant, Italians take there time to enjoy themselves, so some Americans may think that the service is too slow.
We had a rest and then explored the hotel roof bar where the drink of the day was a Mojito. We changed for dinner and headed for IL Buco. IL Buco is a 1 michelin star restaurant. It was many courses, 3 hours, way too much (but very good) food and I tried the “I Trust You”. The chef came to my table to find my likes and dislikes and then each course was a surprise. Curtis got “Land and Territory”. We got home late and I was exhausted.
2022/10/15 – Capri and Anacapri
We had to meet the taxi driver at 7:35am for our tour this morning. Hopped on a boat, with 3 other couples (newlyweds, British, and 52 years of marriage) and headed to Capri. Once there, and the confusion of a bus ticket (we had already paid but didn’t know what bus excepted, so we just took the other bus and paid again).
We got on the chair lift for Mount Solaro. 1932′ above sea level and once again, a view for days. We had juice and cappuccino and sat quietly while enjoying the view. Going back down was…fun!! I looked around and it was beautiful. I passed someone playing music on their way up and decided that was a good idea. Hamilton, of course. When we got to the bottom we decided to walk the streets of shopping. I found the perfume I wanted. A Capri original called Gelsomina di Capri. It’s a sweet and fresh flavor. We took the cablecar (Funicolare) down the mountain to get back to the boat.
We were the first to arrive and they weren’t ready for us yet. The other couples started to show up except the older couple. When the boat was ready we got on. They, Luca and Andrea, waited over 35 minutes for the older couple. But then the boat left the dock. Shortly after they got a call saying the couple was waiting and we went back. Then the tour around the island began.
Returning back to the docks we proceeded to go back to the hotel. Rested and then headed off to dinner. We saw a restaurant, AZZ! Italian Tavern, next to the Irish Pub, that had a line and Curtis found out they open around 6. We got there before 6 and they had a few tables left. But within half hour, they had a line. It was very good food. Stopped for Gelato, then back to the hotel.
We hadn’t been back for long when we heard, what sounded like, cannons. We ran up to the roof top to catch a fireworks show. Grabbed a drink and enjoyed the show. They had fireworks that changed colors mid way. It was spectacular. Back to the room for sleep. Tomorrow Pompeii.
2022/10/16 – Pompeii
Had planned on sleeping in this morning, thought I turned my alarm off, but I didn’t so I didn’t. Played my games for about 1.5 hours then got ready. Curtis woke up and got ready then we went to breakfast at the hotel. We left to walk to the train station, Curtis had prepaid for tickets, so we got on the train to Pompeii.
The train took us straight to the entrance of Pompeii and then you climb a mountain on a road paved with large stones to get to the actual site. We were going to listen to the Rick Steves walking tour, but we realized we forgot our earbuds, and holding the phone to our ear wasn’t working, so we headed off to figure things out on our own. Since we had been to Ostia Antica we thought things would look familiar.
And for the most part, it did. But Pompeii is a HUGE city, and the more we wondered and roamed the streets, the more overwhelming it became. After almost 12,000 steps in a span of about 3 hours, my patience was thin. Curtis still wanted to go to Herculaneum, I did not, but I gave in. Problem was, the exit that we came out of was nowhere near the one we went in and we had no idea where the train station was. Add another 3,000 steps until we found it and my patience is now see-through.
We got the train and headed towards the other ruins. When we got off the train we realized that it would be another good walk to get there, the city was closed (Sunday?) And I was DONE!! Curtis finally agreed to go back to Sorrento. We were tired and hungry.
An hour later, and my patience starting to return, we made it “home” and went to The Foreigners Club for dinner. That did not disappoint and my patience was back intact. We walked around Sorrento for the last time before coming back to the hotel. Tomorrow is a traveling day to Athens.
2022/10/17 – Arrivederci Sorrento
We left the hotel around 8:50. Fina picked us up to take us to the train station in Naples. So far on our travels I had noticed gas prices. I thought 1.99 per liter was the highest until I saw 2.04 per liter. For us that is $7.73 per gallon (damn you Biden 🤣).
When we got to the train station our train didn’t have a track number so we went and had coffee. It was not good service and it took longer than it should. Got on the first train that took us to Caserta and then our high speed train that took us to Bari. A bus took us to the port, but we got off at the wrong stop. The good news was we weren’t far from the stop we wanted and we were able to walk. Got checked in and headed to the boat. That was another walk, but this time we were walking where the semi’s were and it did not feel “safe”.
Once on the boat, they showed us to our room. It is the kind of room you really don’t want to spend time in, tiny!! But 2 beds and a bathroom was really all we need. The beds were just a step up from sleeping on the floor, but there were people actually sleeping on the floor on the boat so…yeah! Finally got to sleep and I think I slept ok, but I look tired this morning.
2022/10/18 – Super Fast II to Patras to Athens
Super Fast, relative. No faster than a “cruise” ship. But it got us there an hour earlier than we expected. The room was small but it was private. Many people slept on benches or in cafe booths, some even on the stairwell. The ride was smooth and the service was great. Curtis and I played Yahtzee to pass the time. Even though we paid for wifi it was spotty at best. We got to port, hopped on a shuttle, found a taxi and went into town for the rental car. Since the boat was an hour early, we went to lunch. Found a place that served burgers and club sandwiches. We met a sweet calico kitty that we shared a little of our lunch with. Back to the rental car place and off we went.
First stop was Patras Castle, but unfortunately it was closed. So onto Corinth Canal. The drive was toll roads but very peaceful. Surrounded by The Gulf of Corinth and beautiful mountains, I was totally relaxed. We made it into Athens and returned the car and got a taxi to the hotel. The hotel, Elia Ermou, is way more modern then our last one but the view is just as spectacular, of the Acropolis.
We ventured out and found several monasteries throughout and a beautiful church. We then went to a little cafe where I had Sangria (and it was good) and Curtis had a gin drink (Green Gram). Then we went in search of food, but nothing big/heavy. We found a quaint place, Kosmikon, and ate. We were a little turned around but found our way back to the hotel where we showered, watched Snooker, and went to bed.
2022/10/19 – Hydra
Woke up at 5:15 (Curtis at 6) to get ready for our day. The car picked us up, our driver was Dimitri and he was very friendly. He took us to the port. We didn’t know how long it would take us so we planned early but it wasn’t necessary. We waited in front of the boat, along with some homeless people (who were sleeping). Finally after over 1 hour the crew started to show up. We sail at 9am.
We wanted to wait for other passengers to show up before we tried to board. One lady just walked up the plank so we decided to board too (it was a bit chilly). The crew told us that they cancelled the trip for today and we needed to go talk to the lady at the booth for a refund and new tickets for another boat, that leaves at 10am. We got our new tickets, found a coffee stand, and continued to wait. But at least the sun is coming up and I’m not as cold. The boat arrived and we had assigned seating, so we found our seat. I was prepared for a rough ride (like in Playa del Carmen) but I was wrong. The ride was very smooth and with 1 stop in Portos, it took almost 2 hours.
When we arrived in Hydra, I started to feel bad. Constipation!! (Wasn’t there a commercial?) My first thought was eat something so we went to the Pirate Bar and I got a salad but as the day went on it got worse. I felt as if I had to pee, but couldn’t. I didn’t want to ruin the day, so I soldiered on, but Curtis drank a lot of beer so I could use the restroom because we couldn’t find any public ones. We found a quaint place on the backside of the island. We were visited by many cats and one very friendly dog.
We then made our way back to the main village and visited a few more cafe’s waiting for the boat to arrive. Although I was uncomfortable, all the KITTY’s that visited made me feel at home. Dimitri met us at the port and took us back to the hotel. I sent Curtis to the pharmacy but I got the blockage out before he got back. Acropolis tomorrow for our last day.
2022/10/20 – Acropolis, Parthenon and Ancient Agora
No early morning anything so I turned my alarm off and slept until 7am. Got up and showered and Curtis was up around 8:30. We walked to the Acropolis, when they say you walked both ways uphill, I now get the joke. We downloaded Rick Steves walking tour and followed his lead around. We had several choices of what our tickets got us into and we decided to go see Ancient Agora. On our walk there, we stopped at Vryssaki for some “life changing” lemonade. It was good and different but life changing?
Then we continued on our path and saw a row of restaurants. It was lunch time, so we decided to eat. We picked one at random, Dia Tafta I ordered the Lamb Chops and Curtis ordered the Chicken Souvlaki and that was the best meal of the trip!! The flavors were amazing and I’m sad I’ll never have another meal from there anytime soon (if ever). And FYI, we met an Canadian couple that started talking politics. They will never understand how Trump got into office and explained that when USA screws up, it trickles over to them.
We continued onto Ancient Agora and once again had Rick Steves audio tour take us through. At the end, we were ruined to see anymore ruins and decided to head back to the hotel. I had seen people with ice cream and decided I wanted some but I came upon this statue of a witch and a candy shop called “Hans Gretel” and in we went. They had ice cream and candy but in the back wall they had 9 flavors of slurpees. Curtis got Coke, but I got bubblegum, blueberry, watermelon and coke.
We came back to the hotel for a rest then Curtis wanted to go to a bar he found on the Top 100 bars around the world and there were 3 close by. The first one, Baba au Rum was closed, so we went to The Clumsies. We had some drinks and some flat bread, the drinks were… different. Then we came back towards the hotel for dinner and chose Ergon House. Back at the hotel, I organized my luggage, took a shower and plan on being in bed at 9. My alarm will go off at 3am.
2022/10/20 – It’s an adventure
Welp!! Got up at 3am and got to the airport around 4ish am. After check in and security we went to the lounge for breakfast. Curtis asked me last night what my favorite part of the trip was and I can honestly say, there was something about each day I thoroughly enjoyed.
Sorrento was the best. Not a quiet town, but not a huge metropolis either. It was beautiful and it felt safe. I loved the chairlift in Capri, I’m proud of myself for doing it. Dinner at IL Buca was very good with the “I Trust You” menu, but way too much food and way too long for this American girl. I liked Pompeii but it was overwhelming. Ahh, the Amalfi Coast, Giuseppe was fantastic and our lunch views couldn’t be any better. The train ride to Bari was beautiful and relaxing and the ferry ride, well, at least we had a private place to sleep.
Coming into Greece, the drive on the toll roads were so peaceful and the view was perfect. Athens, our upscale hotel with the view of the Acropolis. Hydra, although this was the day I wasn’t feeling good and thankful we didn’t book the horse ride, it was a beautiful island and the people were friendly. And the cats….oh how I loved all the KITTY’s!! The Acropolis and The Ancient Agora was just the right amount, but our lunch at Dia Tafta was the absolute best.
So all in all, It’s been an Adventure and I had the best person with me to do it all. Thanks to Curtis for making sure this was the best trip we could have. Now for the long flight(s) home.