ARRIVED at Il Giardino di Vigliano, Sorrento Italy
I believe it is my fifth time here. Once a while back I stayed a week on the GAdventure tour, three times bringing groups I travel with from the cruise ship (Oceania) when docked in Sorrento or Naples and I am now back, returned for another week on GAdventures tour.
This is a magical place. Up the twisty driveway, hairpin turns for the larger vans. Luigi meets us at the walkway to his home, the agritourismo that becomes our home for the next week. 9 of the women from the travel club coming together for this experience. 14 guests being led by the CEO, Silvia.
I believe this building has been in the family since 14th century. We settled in to our room last night. Up up and up the stairs, some older grey stone, others marble. Our balcony overlooks a stunning view of the bay, the special tree that is iconic in this area and on the slope of this land. One light curtain pulled to one side. The yellow, blue and white tile floor is stopping us each time we enter the room – with its beauty and design. Beds are comfy and room uncluttered and spacious.
I can’t stop staring out the window at the beauty that is this place. Even in the grey morning after a rain day in Pompeii yesterday. This is magic, this is adventure and I feel the love from this family as they care for my food needs and also opening their home to strangers in such a warm way.
It is time now to go on a tour with Luigi to the lemon farm lands and hear the family story and feel the legacy. This afternoon Sorrento. Prego. Andiamo. Ti amo
It’s a new day here we go to Napoli and Pompeii. I am trying to see if I can record this message today and it types out as I walk around. Never done this before …. Kind of fun and much faster! Spellcheck seems to come up with interesting thoughts also.
We are packed, had breakfast and ready for check out at the Correra 241 by 845. On walking tour by Sylvia, our GAdventures tour guide for the week. Here are a few snippets and trivia from that walk:
Piazza Dante, where the writer, Dante, is celebrated. There is a huge statue and behind him many many statues of all of the moods that he writes about in his book – probably Dantes inferno, etc.. It’s beautiful square we came here yesterday and the day before but I didn’t know the details. The stories fill in the blanks as described by our guide today.
Men’s clothing stores as we walk along – we see pale green suits, and penny loafers for the men. We were laughing at the comparative difference between back home, such as Birkenstocks, pants that zip off to make shorts, plaid shirts and jean jackets … quite the difference!
Marni and I talked about the benefits and privilege really of doing a gratitude practice every day and sharing it with each other, sharing it with others. Commenting on how it makes the whole gratefulness practice expand bigger, more powerful, more strong.
Going into the oldest church in Naples in the migrant district. It was built in 13th century. It was a hospital at one time also. I lean against old pillars, marvelling. Old frescos still partially visible on ceilings.
As we walk out of the church, the bells toll. It feels like a significant sign. Another sign today ….. was the name of a shop. It was called ‘Blessings’. We are thinking about being open to receiving whatever the messages are today. Yay! Grateful!!
I’m going into the ‘Church of the black Virgin Mary’ and it’s right inside the old fortress walls down by the sea. Santa Maria del Carmine. When migrant people first came to this country via the port, they would come to this church and there’s a register in the back of the church with the names of the people that came. I believe she said it was built in the 13 century. It is worth a look!
We head to the oldest market area of Naples to see where the migrant people help each other to get established with work, clothes, food – to settle in the area as a safe stable start in this new country.
Several other churches are in the district. One is now a hospital helping battered women and one to assist migrants to get papers and medical assistance.
She took us to a small cafe with ‘the best coffee in Italy’ and she treated us to a small shot of espresso in very tiny cups and saucers, also provided a sweet snack local to the area. Our guide left us there and we were walked back to the Correra to have a quick lunch and rest as we prepare to depart for Pompeii stop this afternoon on route to the lemon farm. The adventure continues!
Hot sunny, crowded Sunday on the streets of Naples and out we went for a morning walk. Did some sight seeing on back streets for a few kilometres this morning, taking pics then stopping for Gluten free pizza for lunch at Vesi restaurant. Satisfying.
We came back to the hotel and made a plan to do a long walk down to the Tyrrhenian sea, through the Spanish quarter. We walked again through the huge gathering crowds of people who filled the main artery streets and little alleys. Hundreds, thousands? Of people Honking noise makers and waving flags. Small children in strollers and some walking along holding hands with parents. Dog walkers. Solo folks. Young couples.
We kept together, wondering, watching – just us three constantly keeping an eye out for each other. We walked on cobblestones and larger surface which likely would be slippery when wet. Big brand name stores lined the Main Street where most of the action and people were walking.
Museums, churches and old buildings. Lots of apartments still decorated in blue and white ribbons, and many hanging this weeks laundry out the windows. Some residents lowered buckets We walked to the water and spent some time watching people, taking pictures. We walked back on back streets taking stairs and guessing – well, Mary and Eileen were very good at keeping us moving in the correct direction. We found our way back to the hotel. 6 kms total round trip.
Tonight we meet the GAdventures tour leader (Silvia) and learn a bit about the upcoming week and activities we can expect. Out for dinner and for some, more Napoli pizza. The street party continues – I can hear the fireworks and honking, shouts from the crowds that fill the streets.
Tomorrow orientation walk then on to Pompeii and arrival at Lemon Farm in Sorrento. Yay!
We pack up after breakfast at the Parnon Hotel in Athens and then head out to pick up a few things, decaf coffee, chargers for the Europe plugs, some of the gals picked up food to nibble on. I wanted to mail post cards, we found a place to get those mailed.
Our prearranged taxi driver, Petras was on time and seemed happy to see us. Big hugs all around, packed up the taxi and headed off to the airport in Athens. We waited and waited. I walked over 5 kms up and down the airport waiting area C. By the time the flight arrived we were pretty happy to board, we had ‘priority speedy boarding’. Seated in row 1 on the plane was pretty nice. We relaxed and put our luggage in the overhead area. We arrive 4 hours late on EasyJet … not so easy
Beautiful sky with blue as far as you can see …. Nice weather. About an hour and half flight …. “Naples, here we come!”
Nuevo (9) women in line for the taxi to town, says one of our travelling gals who speaks several languages fluently, Italian is one. It is beautiful to hear her speak …. A taxi driver says, “yes, of course” come with me.
Seatbelts for 8. We squished in. No stops at stop signs. He drives us into town. One way streets. Honking horns. He’s on cell phone. Oh. Argh. Sucking in my breath. Moving my legs so we don’t get side swept. (As if that helps, ha ha). His rear view mirror tells the story that he does not always gets through exactly as he thinks. Many cars, many dents. Motorcycles do not follow any rules of the road, up and down one way streets and between cars and trucks, more honking. Oh vey. Hang on! It is a wild ride. I don’t think we take many breaths! One gal who shares the front seat with me and the driver is able to capture some of the ride on her phone and the commentary is pretty funny after the drive ….. Streets are strewn with ribbons, blue and white. The town is completely decorated for celebration!
We are dropped at our hotel, Correa 241. I have stayed here before and GAdventures uses this hotel so we know it is simple, clean and safe – with breakfast included. We will stay two nights. We get one key and drop it off at front desk whenever we go out of the hotel so it is here for our roommate. Dropping our bags we head out on the search for pizza!
We have a destination in our phones and following the leader through the throngs of people laughing, partying and singing, drinking, eating, smoking and generally celebrating
So many people in town. Blue and white ribbons on all streets overhead. For soccer celebration Napoli SSC football team. For European trophy. Last time they won in 1989. Throngs of people standing, walking, riding motorcycles, beeping, hugging, drinking, celebrating, laughing, eating …. A few of the alleys are quiet enough from what I can see so I snap a few pictures. These are in no way an indication of what we are walking through. We keep an eye, 7 of the women travelling are trying to keep each other in sight as we navigate this wild and crazy city and all the many happy celebrating participants. A sea of heads we keep moving through …….. about 20-30 minutes of walking I think ….. we find a destination. We passed many places but our hotel person had helped us find this one on google maps.
The ‘pizza bouncer’ at the restaurant hustles a group off the table and quickly resets the table for us all. We sit and many enjoy the pizza and drinks. We pay individually and the waiter counts the money. Off we go ……. On search for gluten free. Next stop says yes senza glutine however, no take out for that. We try again and again ….. finally finding a spot that will let me have gf focaccia bread to go.
We stop to purchase Prosecco and head back to hotel, again through all the mayhem and chaos that is this town, Saturday night. The gal at the restaurant says Naples is always this way – ha ha. OK – we keep going. Out on the square we hear and see Fire crackers and fireworks as we leave the populated streets. Probably could see 200 people at any moment. Sea of heads. More than 40 pizza places overflowing with guests.
We think it is a highlight of the trip. So much adrenaline and yahoo as we walk through the crowds. Keeping an eye out for each other. 7 quiet Canadian women travellers with eyes wide open and laughs.
We sit and enjoy quiet relief with a paper cup of Prosecco in the outside quiet courtyard at the hotel. Then sleep comes and another day passes on this great adventure.
Breakfast Greek Salad provided by the hotel (Parnon) was fabulous and tasty. The thought of a bit of rain today made a few in our group seriously consider the Hop on bus. I have done that in Athens previously and not a huge fan of bus drives at the best of time …. So Mary and I opted for a walk to find some green space and a few huge parks that I have not previously explored.
We stopped to watch the guards at the Parliament building do their fancy march. Then to the National Gardens.
A great day overall – we had good talks, lots of bird watching and listening to nature. It was magical and relaxing. Another 12 Kms today :). There was a little bird sanctuary, some goats and bunnies with wire around their area, ducks, and more foul.
We saw some very unique trees, bright flowers and old rock stuff including the temple of Zeus. Another great day exploring Athens. We found a spot for lunch after circling the area we were searching – ha ha … Atitamos on road Kapodistriou …. Had a great local traditional Greek salad (why don’t they just call it ‘salad’?). Not as authentic or local as last nights but feeling full we walked back to the hotel, met up with some travel buddies. We went back out searching for some cheap wine and Prosecco. Tonight we have to pack (again) and head to the airport for EasyJet flight to Naples for the next part of our adventure.
Pamella of Greece, going back to Italy and the Amalfi coast for another week!
We disembarked the Oceania Marina today. Taxi to the Parnon Hotel, dropped our bags and headed out for adventure. Patros was our driver – and he apologized when there was traffic which slowed our ride. He was talkative, answered questions and we enjoyed him. He gave us his number for calling for our airport transfer on 6 May.
Too early to get our room key so we stored our items at the Parnon Hotel and headed out walking.
We first walked through and around Plaka area, dropping in to a little cafe pub place for a light lunch. It was not good and we miss the plentiful food on the ship already!! Then we wandered and found the Acropolis, climbed up and up and up. Beautiful sights. Breathtaking view in the hot sunshine. We enjoyed the sights and found our way home. We asked for recommendations for an authentic eating experience.
AFLE says my friend: “Another f-ing Learning Experience”
We found and ate authentic Greek (for locals) at Kriti!! As recommended by our hotel service persons. When I tried to order a Greek salad – the wait staff ‘suggested’ strongly that I have the special of the day …. ‘Would it be gluten free’ she responded “of course”! (As if I should know that – ha ha). We were brave and ordered. The dining was fine, the tastes fabulous and we left very happy and full.
It is the last full day of the cruise and we are parked out front of the island of Santorini, Greece. Wow! Spectacular to look up to see the contrast between the rugged old volcano vegetation and rock with the sharp white buildings on top of the caldera. I know there is bright ‘Santorini’ blue domes but with this early morning light I can only see white on the black and dark green. It is a magnificent, unique, spectacular, popular and iconic. The reason people travel far and wide to Greece to see this sight.
We get to lay in bed with the balcony door open for the sound of the water and birds …. And we see the sights as we sail into this port of call, the last one we will explore from the ship.
Today we will go up on deck for a walk around the sports track – perhaps Mary will run? And I will walk and recite some gratitude for this vacation and safe travels with great friends having adventurous experiences. It is remarkable really and I am so very fortunate.
Then after we go ashore for walking and picture taking, maybe a stop or two …. Then back to the ship to clean up, do some packing (how do I get all my stuff back into these little bags?).
We have a group cocktail party this Early evening followed by Privee (private dining venue on board the ship with special menus.
Yesterday morning, up early for a walk on deck. It was raining hard and big puddles formed on the sports track. Mary literally ran circles around me, I walked fast and splashed where the water was deep. It was enjoyable and I had planned to put warm clothes on before heading to Argostoli Greece. This was our first stop since Malta with many plans for the day.
We walked off the ship after breakfast after gathering with our Marina chef and the group of 12. We met with a local guide who walked with us to bakeries, grocery type stores and markets. Each of us had an item …. Like a scavenger hunt …. With money provided from the chef and a grocery bag. Mary and I were to get Kalamata olives, other people feta cheese, grape leaves, rose water, bread, honey. We met and had a fabulous lunch by the water in a cafe. The food was tasty and plentiful. We had wine and some had beer. Walked back to the ship, met in the culinary centre and prepared tzatziki, salad and another dip. We drank wine, ouzo and then deserts of local Greek fare.
Dinner in Red Ginger specialty restaurant with our group was fabulous. Some said the best food ever (sea bass). Eileen and I went dancing in horizons till midnight. So fun.
Today we had a slow morning with time for breakfast before catching shuttle bus to old town Chania on Crete. We walked about four hours including shopping (Xamam). Back on the ship, we got ready for Greek food night in the buffet on 12 th floor. Tired and ready for bed. Tomorrow Santorini.
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