From Rome we went to Gaeta an old well preserved Roman town. The heat and high humidity had followed us from Rome but we managed a few good walks ( with plenty of steps of course) We came across this produce market where I discovered this unusual long vegetable. The orange flesh was the same consistency of a kumara. The man in the stall told me it was called a zucha. Someone else told me later it was a squash but whatever it was it was really huge.
We walked up through the narrow streets to the top of the town and then on above that to the look out over the beaches. On the way we we discovered this cafe below which had a small three wheeler truck protruding through its wall as some kind of feature. It was full of boxes and junk. Maybe thats where it was abandoned when it refused to go anymore so they built around it!!!
At the top we were rewarded with a view of the Grotta del Turco and the 14th century Chapel of the Crucifix which was built on top of a large rock that broke loose and fell deeper into the mountain split. Inside the chapel was the tomb of General Napolean Alexander who had been a commander of the Gaeta Fortress at the entrance to the harbour.
The narrow stairway through the rock up to the church and lookout to the Grotto below.
The long and busy beaches where the Romans flock to show of their bronzed bodies! We saw women in their 70s to 80s still wearing skimpy bikinis and lying on deck chairs in the full sun. In a lot of cases not a pretty sight but they were doing what they loved.
Sorrento coming into view during breakfast. Too humid and sticky to sit on the balcony. We loved Sorrento. Its really beautiful although very crowded. The narrow streets with their colourful shops are so charming (below)
We had Sunday lunch at this beautiful outdoor restaurant high up on the cliff top over looking the Sorrento Bay. We easily passed a couple of hours in the cool breeze just enjoying the view.
Summer times and R & R. Well it was Sunday.
Sharing the sea with all kinds of marine craft.
Last evening we dined on board for a degustation Italian meal which was absolutely beautiful. The chef is very creative and made some beautiful and unusual dishes. Richard was feeling very adventurous and had pigeon for his main course. He really enjoyed it. Said it was slightly gamey but very tender and tasty. Oh dear it wasn't for me though! All I could think of was the filthy pigeons around all the outdoor cafes. They really have become a big problem in most of the places we have been to in Europe.
We have just arrived this morning on the Italian Island of Lipari. We have three days here and then on to Greece for just over three weeks which we are really looking forward to as it includes some of the islands as well. This is replacing the visit to Turkey which was cancelled because of the unrest.
Until then we hope everyone at home is well.
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