A bus journey
We packed our bags and walked round the counter to catch the bus to the port. Yesterday Maggi and I had taken the trip down to the port by bus to check out the timetable and the length of the journey. We had every thing sussed out.
We strolled into the bus station at 9:45 for the 9:50 bus. That didn’t turn up, we waited until 10:15 when a bus arrived with our destination on the front. We ascended and the driver said 20 minutes before we get to the port. I interpreted this as he was leaving in 20 minutes. What he meant was that the route had a 20 minute detour up the hillside to a small village before it returned to the port.
Unfortunately the hair raising round trip took 35 minutes. Our driver took no prisoners and he sped along the narrow country roads. We arrived safely at the port but we had to run to catch the ferry tot. I think we were the last to board.
Arrive in Positano
When we arrived in Positano it began to rain heavily. We had no real idea of where the hotel was or how to get there. The downpour soon soaked us and we dived into the porch of a church to obtain some shelter and hope it eased off.
When things looked a bit brighter we set off. Positano has no flat areas. The place is built in a steep valley and the footpaths are steep steps. soon the downpour resumed. Walking on the road means dodging the cars sweeping up or down the narrow winding roads.
We arrived at the hotel exhausted and drenched from carrying our bags up the mountainside in the pouring rain. I tried to wring out my outer clothes but that soaked the bathroom. I gave up and just let them hang there and drip.
Things didn’t improve when we arrived in our rooms. Yes we had a magnificent view over Positano, but everything else about the room and hotel could best be described as shabby with no chic.
By this time we were all fed up so we walked further up the mountainside to a small bar. Here our spirits improved as we refreshed ourselves with some crisps sandwiches and alcohol.
The evening meal
Matt had his heart set on Saraceno d’Oro a pizzeria but with other food. We walked past other possibilities but he showed no inclination to even look at the menu. When we arrived they had a healthy looking crowd inside so we all trooped in. They found us a table for six and from my seat I could see the whole restaurant.
After awhile we realised that the place was extraordinarily loud. We managed to order despite noise level. The staff served with smiles and charm. We suddenly realised that the noise in the restaurant came from a group of 4 American women and 2 men. We indicated to one of the waitresses that we were fed up with their uproar, which was echoed by other customers,
The waitress approached the Americans and asked them to please quieten down. They looked shocked but didn’t relent and then suddenly decided to leave much to the delight of our table other customers and the staff. One of the Americans made a rude noise to Helen as she walked past her.
We enjoyed the rest of the meal in a normal environment. Everyone had a pizza except me. I choose a seafood pasta dish which was only ok.
After our meal we all returned to our grotty hotel and to my surprise I was able to watch the Arsenal Athletico Madrid match on my iPad. Arsenal won 4-0 with Gyokres scoring two goals.