Episode 09: Amalfi, “There’s nothing like a fountain and a magnum of French champagne to put you right again” - Under the Tuscan sun (film)
Welcome to Episode #09 Amalfi, Campania......
Travel Writer and Author Freya Stark once said, “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure. You have no idea of what is in store for you, but you will, if you are wise and know the art of travel, let yourself go on the stream of the unknown and accept whatever comes in the spirit in which the gods may offer it. For this reason your customary thoughts, all except the rarest of your friends, even most of your luggage - everything, in fact, which belongs to your everyday life, is merely a hindrance. The tourist travels in his own atmosphere like a snail in his shell and stands, as it were, on his own perambulating doorstep to look at the continents of the world. But if you discard all this, and sally forth with a leisurely and blank mind, there is no knowing what may not happen to you.”
Freya Stark - Baghdad Sketches: Journey’s Through Iraq
Up in the hills of Pogerolo behind the main town of Amalfi / Michelle Johnston
Waking up in the hills of Amalfi in a town called Pogerolo was full of emotion and intensity. Alone on a hill, a writing retreat or an adventure on my hands. Up and down the hill on the local bus or walk the 800 steps down the hill. What an experience and a story to be had.
The adventure of traveling to Amalfi was a small test of endurance in reality. Finding myself on the coast for some reason was a turning point in the journey that had me reflecting and questioning myself quite a bit as a solo traveler. Perhaps staying up away from the crowds and the main thoroughfare in the centre of the village while it was quite wonderful, perhaps was slightly isolating too. Although a great experience no less.
The majestic limestone cliffs, the gulf of the sea beyond the mountainside and down the hill a mere 800 steps down to the town certainly added some ambience to the experience. Certainly these were wonderful days, visually beautiful and Campania I will return to again at some stage to discover more about the landscape, the people and the cuisine.
The beauty of the everyday in the town of Amalfi…the perfect walking place to capture the details / Michelle Johnston
Shownotes:
Baghdad Sketches: Journeys Through Iraq by Freya Stark
Sex and the City Movie - Part 1 (2001)
Monty Don’s Italian Gardens (Series 2011)
My Amalfi Coast by Amanda Tabberer - Fabulous Photography by Carla Coulson
The spectacular views from the Garden and Villa Rufolo in the hill top town of Ravello