Our final day of the cruise was a full day organised trip to Amalfi and Pompeii by coach. Woke up to a fine day, but that turned to custard half way through. Only our second bit of rain in 7 weeks, so we can't complain! Sorry you folks in Wellington!
The coach ride was an insight once again, we could see right down in to all the squatter camps stretching for a long way after leaving the port, and in to the amazing gardens for veges and fruit that so many houses and apartments have.
Didn't take long to see Mt Vesuvius rising up very close to Naples.
The coastal ride went over the mountains and wound around the side of hills along the coast. Very close passing and lots of tooting of horns just like the bus ride around the lake. Very exciting and hairy at times, and once again only one scrape! Funnily enough that was in the spot close to houses where there was a sign saying NO HORNS!
HE SAID ...Our trip included a fine lunch served in a ristarante on the side of a cliff, stunning views until it started raining. We continued our journey in a coach that generally took up 75% of the road, most times needing every inch on the hairpin corners. (if i ever hear Janet moan about the rimutaka again.......) Our guide did make the point that some sime ago they decided 12metre buses counld no longer use this stretch. Our bus was ONLY 10metres. Funny enough, the only people sweating were foreigh tourists in rental cars and camper vans.
We arrived in Pompeii, had a quick trip thru a cameo factory/shop(not quick enough for Janet tho ???) then out into the pouring rain into Pompeii. At this point all the street vendors dropped all their other crap and offered umbrellas and ponchos and extremely "generous" prices. Pompeii was built built some time ago, BH (before Jesus) and its must have pissed down a lot then too as they built the roads with kerbs and footpaths and also installed large stepping stones at intersections so that persons could cross the road without getting their roman sandal wet. at the end of the day i complimented our guide on his efforts and thanked him for keeping the dust to a minimum. It was good to get back to the boat after a 10hr day, have a quick shower then started the "where and what do we eat game" we played every nite on board. Last night.....packing....great!
You mean I pack and you check what's on TV???!!! I know it's only to improve your Italian!
I started this at 4.15pm after a lovely little sleep on the bed! Windows on to the balcony open, slight breeze blowing the sheer white curtain, babble of voices from down below wafting up from the cafe or promenade around the beach ...!!! Life's really tough. We disembarked this morning, hopped on the free shuttle out of the port around to entrance to Civitavecchia and walked 300m along the promendade to our hotel overlooking the blue sparkling sea. Another perfect spot.
This is a great place and i am glad we stayed here in Civitavecchia. Quite mouthful that, now i know why everyone called Camille, Camille. Civi is the beach resort of Rome as well as a large port(We got a shuttle bus from the boat to the main gate). Great beaches next door and quite clean. We have have already checked out the local markets, saw the local McD and done some shopping(Janet). Now its time to rest on the balcony, avoid the blinding sun as i look at the Med and decide what wine to have with tea??
We could easily do more Rome from here, but have decided to have a couple of quiet days here before we hit the streets of New York. bring it on!
Won't be long before we're home and seeing you all.
Go the All Blacks.
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