This ain't no Italian Job...

Well folks, since I last wrote, I have been to the independent state of San Marino, stayed for a couple of nights and am now on the Amalfi coast. San Marino was absolutely beautiful and is well worth a visit for anyone travelling to Italy. The historical centre sits upon a mountain and is protected by three towers, which are the famous icon of San Marino. There were lots of steps and terraces, meaning a little bit of exercise... the ankle has held up well!

One of the three towers of San Marino

Another potential dating site photo...?

Yesterday we drove from San Marino to the Amalfi Coast. I cannot begin to describe the combination of love and loathing I feel for this place already, and we've only been here 24 hours! (8 of them sleeping!) The loathing comes from the long and windy roads that one must navigate in order to reach this beautiful sea side town. Italian driver are TOTALLY NUTS and even more so when having to navigate small windy roads that are only one lane in either direction. I was beeped and abused by several drivers who thought my pace up the hills and along the coast was far too sedate. Clearly my part in the real Italian Job will never eventuate!

However once we reached the hotel, it was easy to see that this was no ordinary hotel. We walked inside the front gate and was greeted immediately with a small maze of stairs delicately winding their way around the insides of a building that clings oh so beautifully to the side of a cliff directly above the ocean. Below are some photos I took this morning from the balcony off the dining room. The sun had just now come out from behind the distant coastal hill and was sparkling across the water beautifully.

The views off of our balcony are amazing!

Today we went on the "welcome sail" with the other wedding guests. Everyone is just lovely! We had some trouble getting from the boat to the isolated coastal ristorante where we were due to have lunch. (By trouble I mean that I almost capsized the smaller boat that was 'transferring' us to the coast). Todd later assured me this was due to a particularly large swell - he didn't make it clear whether he was referring to ocean swells, however... Afterwards we went for a walk and some gelati in the actual town of Amalfi.

Todd reclining at the rear of the boat (do they call that the stern?)

Todd and Lea (bride to be) enjoying a gelato!

Tonight we went for a swim in the lovely pool. It was a little cold however, so we went down to the ocean which was actually warmer! Todd and another guest, Craig started talking about sharks, and as I looked out over the horizon I must admit I started to panic a little! I stayed for a few more minutes to ensure it wasn't obvious that I was freaking about shark-talk and then got out. (How ironic it would have been if I had been eaten by a shark in those few minutes... certainly worthy of inclusion in an Alanis Morisette song...?)

Tonight we have drinks and a light dinner on the terrace planned. Should be a nice relaxing evening...!

Ciao.. Xx