Last Day - July 29

Jill: Well today was our last day, and it couldn't have been better. For me, the love affair with Positano didn't begin the first or even the second day. But when mutual recognition began with shopkeepers and beach goers, I was hooked. And then this afternoon when we stopped in one of our two favorite markets (the one where the ladies convinced Todd to try their lemon croissants one morning and were happy to see him come back the next for three instead of two) to buy some last minute goodies, the ladies said, "Caio Bella, see you next year!" I couldn't help but get choked up. (even the grandma at the store had to pinch Emmy's nose with affection! - too hard Emmy said, but we said it was out of love.)




The walkway leading to our villa



Our favorite market up the stairs the "Caio bella" market





Getting granitas (slurpees) this morning on a walk




Walking home

Over the week we discovered that there is one key man who can make or break your beach time. If it weren't for his accent I'd have his name down pat! He is the one who (after who've paid the hefty entrance fee) escorts you to your seat (assumably better by the quantity of tip!). We took extra "care" to make sure he knew today was our last day and he delivered. We had the best seat in the house! How he can walk on the gravel-y beach all day without shoes is beyond us, but he is the king of the beach! We had a wonderful day of relaxing by the beach, reading, rafting, and swimming.




Best spot on the beach

















Later we ventured out on the peddle boat again per Emmy's strong request. It was a bit choppy and we had to teach Davis the difference between buoy and booty, we all had a great time!











With the beach king

Home to settle up with our owners, shopping, dinner and home to pack. Although I could get very emotional, I will stick to the facts. Todd and I both feel this is the best place we have ever stayed. Full stop. Ever. Full stop. Joseph and Chiara are extremely gracious and we couldn't recommend this villa more. It was fun to see Joseph (or his mom, in her pearls) tending the garden some mornings, and thrilling to make our way over the steps that lead you this way and that. The location and view could not be better. It has been wonderful!




View from our bedroom


Our last night out

Other than that, we feel incredibly lucky to have gone on this adventure together. Thank you for following along with us. These are moments and memories we will treasure for a lifetime. We are happy to be going home and wish that someday we could experience this magic once again.

Tomorrow, the Naples airport and home!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Positano

Positano and Amalfi - July 26-28

Jill: We're getting into a routine here in Positano and sadly winding down our trip.

We had a great time with our dear friend Dawn ("Miss Barker") following our trip to Pompeii. We had a nice warm day at the beach and even rented a peddle boat to peddle around our bay. We had to dodge a few of the incoming and outgoing ferry boats but it added to our excitement at being out on the water.
























Positano is a busy harbor for sure. There are ferries going to each Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento about every 30 minutes to an hour and other smaller boats for rent going in and out all day long, plus the larger yachts and occasional cruise ships. The view from our balcony is truly incredible and it's fun to watch all the activity and the people bustling around. We've even seen a few weddings! In this picture, can you spot two brides?





On Wednesday, we saw Miss Barker to her ferry, we were sad to see her go and at the same time excited about her adventures! We'll miss you Miss Barker!!


Although we intended to also take a ferry, ours to Amalfi, the kids overruled us and we decided to hit the beach instead. We rented some chairs, and a raft, and had a great day!









This morning we managed to convince the kids (with a gelato bribe) to take the ferry to Amalfi and were very glad we did. I thought about counting the "Whoa, look at that!"s and the "Oh my gosh!"s along the 20 minute ride but very quickly lost count. Friends had recommended we see some the coast by water and it was great advice! It was incredibly beautiful and so neat to see all the houses, villas and hotels that have been built into these hills. It's amazing!




































Amalfi was a fun stop. It seemed to be a bigger city than Positano, less hilly for sure and many shops and restaurants. Amalfi is believed to be the first European location where paper as we know it today was made. And following the main road through town, we began to see signs for the Museo della Carta (Museum of Paper). We stepped in and were just in time for the English tour (funny how that happens!). It was actually quite interesting and Emmy got to make a sheet of paper using water, cotton, fish glue (not sure exactly what this was) and the original equipment from the mill. It was very cool.


















Fountain full of fairies!





















We then headed back to Positano for more fun at the beach. The weather is cooperating somewhat, cloudy today in the afternoon but warm and no rain.




























A kitten on the way home!





And a lizard in the family room!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Positano