Saturday, January 01, 2005

Lovely Positano


Positano Posted by Hello

Fell in love with the place after I watched 'Only You' starring Marissa Tomei. Its a tiny village perched on the side of a rolling mountain, truly picturesque as it overlooks the bay of naples.

When Bebeth and I planned for a european trip, I insisted on doing the south of Italy since my past travels never had a chance to pass by this route. My priority was actually the Amalfi coast but then upon research, I stumbled again on Positano.

Its practically a pedestrian place, with narrow winding streets. Its actually a tourist haven in the summer thats why we went at the right time supposedly, just at the start of spring. Unfortunately it was also the easter season, holy week having started early so that weekend most hotels were full packed.

Many natives would recommend La Cambuso restaurant so we tried it. I believe its too commercialized. The best meal we took was in Il Fornillo, very near the hotel we stayed in at the upper portion of Positano.

One day, given the chance, I would like to go back and this time stay at the top of the line hotel at the lower portion of the village. No its not Le Sireneuse which was featured in the movie but San Pietro.

Tromso, Norway


Tromso Posted by Hello

Tromoso lies midway between the Arctic Circle and North Cape. The sun never shines two months in each year but another two months gives provides perpetual light (midnight sun). Tromso is Norway's largest fishing village and houses the northernmost University town in the world.

This lovely city located on northern norway is also known as the Paris of the North.

Lugano, Switzerland


At the Park admiring Lake Lugano Posted by Hello

Coming from Italy, we headed by motorway to Lugano passing by the S. Gottard tunnel.

Surrounded by mountains and a splendid lake, Lugano brings together all the characteristics of a metropolis
of great style, despite maintaining the traits of a small city. Most particular and striking is the large pedestrian area, which contains the historic centre, full of splendid buildings.


It rained in the isle of Capri


At the Piazzetta or square in Capri, Italy Posted by Hello

When I originally tried doing our itinerary for the south of Italy, I had wanted to stay overnight in Capri to be able to see much of the famous island.

However in the course of my research, I stumbled upon the picturesque Positano and no way will I skip that and relegate it to a day trip. In other words, Capri had to be sacrificed. Unfortunately when we arrived, it had been raining as you can see from the photo taken by bebeth. Had to wear my hood to keep my head dry but the rains will not stop us taking photos. You will never know if we can ever return.

We had to hire a cab which turned out to be a rip-off so we can go around, otherwise we get totally drenched. We took a ferry from Sorrento to reach Capri.

The island of Capri, having no natural port, was accessible only from a small beach -probably one of the reasons emperor Tiberius preferred it, but necessity required the building of a port. To the west, at Point Vivara, the ruins of the ancient Roman port, giving direct access to the Imperial Villa of Palazzo a mare, are still visible.

Despite the intermittent rain, I insisted on seeing the Blue Grotto. Had always dreamed of going here for ages and no rain will stop me :) We were able to see it thats for sure, but not riding the traditional boat inside the cave. Apparently the boats are not allowed to ply the waters when weather is not good.

I hope one day we can return here, this time concentrating on the piazzetta and the beatiful Ana Capri.