Sailing up the Amalfi Coast - by Teri-E Belf
(August 25-Sept 3, 2007 with Phil, Kim and Stacy and Lee and Wendy on the Worldwide Traveler)
SNAV ferry takes us to Procida, for Lee and Weny hellos.
Get oriented and unpacked, to know where everything goes.
The first thing we start off with is shopping, Kim says, “Mom look at this ring”.
Then he discovers soy bread – who’s ever heard of such a thing?
The toilet has a 3-20-3 code, use it in order to flush.
Egos cue on the trampoline, at life’s sailing speed - no rush.
Smoothies are a ritual for breakfast each and every day.
The beauty and efficiency of this Catamaran is awesome in every way.
The Anchor/Galley Queen is Wendy; in these areas she has great command.
The strategic tacks and sailboat maneuvers Captain Lee has planned.
Better remember to raise, that silly-looking plastic black ball,
Or fined heavily you will be or to jail Marina Police will haul.
Begin the pizza/gelato competition, count, 1, 2, 3, 4. . .
Keeping track of Kim and Stacy, who has the highest score?
Sunset pictures at Marina Corricella with kid’s sail that is red,
Gentle waves and ocean air accompany us to bed.
Dinghy to an amazing grotto, swim completely through a cave.
Teri-E and a stinging jellyfish did a close encounter on a wave.
The colors were green and turquoise, aquamarine and blue,
Reflections and sensations, came in every wet hue.
Sail 3 hours to Sorrento, tie dinghy to restaurant pier.
Take crowded bus to top, complete with old man’s leer.
“Scussi NO” are the words, one must remember to shout,
to fend off the pinchers, and don’t forget to pout.
Green spaghetti, red spaghetti, even squid ink spaghetti black.
How will it all fit into the suitcase when we need to pack?
We walk up Corso Talia, a cobblestone street lined with shops,
In search of the perfect crepe and gelato, only then did we stop.
Windows were filled with jewelry, leather goods and lace.
The pedestrian-only street, had a charming, slow-moving pace.
We browse the church and art gallery, displaying some local lore.
Dinner in Square, Piazzo Tasso, marks the end of our adventure on shore.
Rounding the coastal corner lighthouse, there’s a sight to behold.
The famous Faraglioni appearing majestic and bold.
Nearing the Isle of Capri, we close in on the yachts,
Strong tail winds bring us up to at least 7 knots.
We anchor at Marina Piccolo, near a fortress mansion in the hillside.
Luckily we found the orange bus, up to Anacapri on this ride.
In Capri’s Piazzo Umberto main square we relive the family/Gussie memory.
Talked our way into Hotel Quisisanna, remembering the view with a plenty!
Where and how to tie the dingy, became the entertainment of the day,
Requiring Lee’s creative and resourceful mind, to problem-solve the way.
On one night, however, the dinghy had been distastefully moved.
In jumps Kim to the rescue, in tow brings it back, its behooved.
Retracing our steps to the taxi, with a walkway of rollercoaster waves,
Swim through the Green Grotto at noon, a ‘high’ forever engraved.
Sail towards the Faraglioni, for photos from every view,
Amidst the rocks, and boats and waves, we decide not to go through.
The air is clean, the sun is strong, and the heat is very hot.
X marks the spot on Stacy’s back, where the suntan lotion was not.
Time to continue on our journey, direction Positano we go.
Better fend off those wicked pirates, with a song and a ho! Ho! HO!
While Kim and Lee are busy, raising up the pirate flag,
A pirate wind comes afoot, and blows Kim into the sail bag.
The dastardly deed is done, appropriate “ARGGGGGGs” all stated.
Such a fun experience, leaves us all elated.
Two hours later in the distance, we see the famed wedding cake hill.
Vertically colored houses abound, every photographer’s thrill.
The cobblestone streets keep winding, up with more shops and views.
So many olive oil decanters, it’s impossible to choose.
Phil stretches high, Phil stretches low, some new form of exercise?
It’s Phil with his new camera, the highest shot is the prize.
Spontaneity abounds, from Tailor Pepito to the motorcycle black cat.
Harmonious and fun connections, with many locals we chat.
Down the hill we come, ready to taxi back to the boat.
Four-foot waves surf over the walkway, as we prepare to jump the moat.
Amalfi is our next stop, for whom the coast gets its name.
The prominent striped Duomo, and Cloisters give it fame.
St. Andrew the Apostle is buried, somewhere below in the cryst.
We descend to the gilded lit chambers beneath to sit and . . . you get the gist.
Overnight we stay in the Marina, with a hefty 200+ Euros fee.
In the morning we board the dinghy, to traipse over to Atrani.
Houses built into viaducts, climbing stairs up left and up right.
Lunch in the fountain square, a long wait for a bruschetta bite.
Water, water everywhere, and drink it plenty we do.
Kitchen play and anchor lessons, make it fun for this crew.
Snorkels, masks and a noodle, come with us off the boat.
The salt in the Tyrrhenian Sea, makes it easier to float.
As the sun begins to descend, we walk up the winding road by the sea,
To Vietri sul Mare – a delightful town, all covered with pottery.
Ceramic on walls, ceramic in windows, ceramics in every shop.
Galleries of unique ceramic art, in every store we stop.
Kim finds the ultimate pizza, even one for Mom with corn.
I eat so much, I skip dinner and don’t eat until morn.
Evening comes, the dinghy slows, we gaze up at the starry night.
Our celestially-wise Captain points out constellations with delight.
The end draws near, the Captain’s dear, he stays up until half past four,
Creating a CD of memories, a most appreciated loving chore.
The highlight of my vacation was lying on the trampoline,
Being slightly above the water, full sails above, and the sun, a warming beam.
Reading and being grateful, for deep friendship, and hugs and fun.
The experience continually integrating, it shall be never done.
To Madrid to the High Tech Hotel with shower all over the floor,
A good night’s rest, land legs return, but wait there still is more.
While w a i t i n g at the airport, cheese breads disappear.
A final stop at a final shop and soccer shirts appear.
- by Teri-E
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