Sorrento - Part 2

      Sorrento is absolutely beautiful. . . just look at the color of the water.

There was a special Salvador Dali exhibit going on while we were in Sorrento, but I did not visit it. I was thrilled, however, to see his glorious Surrealist Piano which was on display in a small park in the center of town.

Another statue, not by Dali, which caught my eye in a waterfront park was this Mother and Child. The faces truly reflect that special bond between mothers and their children/

The narrow streets are lined with shops offering all sorts of enticing products. 

Countless shops feature lemon products for which the area is known.

When you need a break, you can always stop for some gelato.

Tomorrow I will post photos from Rome.

Sorrento

Beautiful Sorrento was our home base for six nights, and fortunately, our hotel was within walking distance of the city center.

We had one free day, and we spent it exploring. In the heart of the city, we visited an orange and lemon orchard where you could sample and purchase products.

The cathedral in Sorrento was magnificent.

Inside the cathedral there is large, beautiful painting of Pope John Paul and outside there is this incredibly lifelike statue. Another reason to visit the cathedral is to see the beautiful display of creche figures.

     On a side street we looked over a low wall to see far below these intriguing ruins called the Valley of the Mills.

In the evening, many of us attended a very entertaining musical theater production.

Tomorrow . . . more photos from Sorrento

Amalfi and Ravello

We wandered about Amalfi taking in the sights and sounds: shops selling ceramics and leather goods, outdoor cafes, strolling musicians, etc.

This colorful display of ceramics provided the opportunity to make a self-portrait.

Then under murky, drizzly skies we headed to Ravello where we had a delicious meal. 

Amalfi - Part 1

     The next day, we boarded a smaller bus which would be able to navigate the twists and turns along the Amalfi Coast drive. Those afraid of heights were cautioned to sit on the left side of the bus; I chose a window seat on the right, and the views were breathtaking. We did not visit  Positano, but we did stop to take some photos.

I took many shots from the bus window. 

One of my favorites was of this church.

Finally, we arrived in Amalfi.

More from Amalfi next time.

The Royal Palace at Caserta

     The next day we drove to Caserta to visit the Reggia of Conserta, the former residence of the Bourbon kings of Naples. This 1,200 room residence was inspired by the Palace of Versailles.

Here is a shot of our group climbing the grand staircase.

There are many interesting articles on the internet which provide the history of this magnificent palace.

Its park was equally impressive with cascades and fountains.

Later in the afternoon we returned to Sorrento where we visited a family farm for a wine tasting.

Before the wine tasting, the lovely Maria demonstrated how to make different types of buffalo mozzarella.

There was drama and there was laughter and a few of our members were even chosen to make pizza. I'm not providing any of these details as what happened on the farm, stays on the farm!  :-) I will say, however, that the meal we had there was delicious!