Amalfi

Trip Start Sep 12, 2008
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Trip End Sep 29, 2008


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Where I stayed
Oceania Cruise lines
(Amalfi hotels)

Flag of Italy  , Campania,
Thursday, September 18, 2008

Carol's entry for the day - I decided to spend a few relaxing hours today in Amalfi, taking the tender in to shore around 2:00.  For me this was a good choice as I thoroughly enjoyed my few hours there.  First I wandered about the shops, noting there were many pottery items, apparently a trademark of this area.  Prices were good I thought, and shop keepers fairly friendly.  I purchased an international phone card and found a public phone, but had difficulty using it, so finally returned to the shop and asked for help.  The clerk dialed several times before managing to acquire an open line.  I was able to make a few calls and it felt good to touch base with "home".  At the main plaza there is a very impressive cathedral with a wide set of about 70 steps leading up.  Some fellow shipmates I encountered, a nice couple from Ontario, told me it was not to be missed and well worth the E2.50 admission.  They were so right.  I wondered around inside using my guide pamphlet to help me understand all I was seeing.  The complex of the cathedral includes the "Cloister of Paradise", the Basilica of the Crucifix, which houses the museum, the Crypt of St date palm
date palm
 . Andrew, and the Cathedral.  If I were to describe this in one phrase it would be a garden, museum, mausoleum, and church all rolled into one.  The Cloister of Paradise is a series of interlaced arches in a garden setting - hard to describe but peaceful to view.  The Basilica was the original church and now is a museum.  There are beautiful paintings on the ceiling that reminded me of the Sistine Chapel.  Was Michelangelo here too?  St. Andrew, the first disciple of Jesus, was buried in the Crypt in 1208.  The occipital bone of his skull is kept behind the altar and is shown only on special occasions.  It goes without saying that the Italian people are deeply involved with their religious history.  Finally I arrived in the Cathedral.  All was quiet with scattered visitors sitting prayerfully at various pews.  I found an isolated area to take a few moments of quiet reflection and thanks for my place on this earth.  Then, out into the warm sunshine I returned, feeling refreshed and renewed.  There is a small rocky beach here, so I strolled over and took several pictures of it and the sunbathers.  The Italian men wear skimpy suits, so of course I had to capture that on film!  Finally I headed back to the tender to return to our beautiful ship, Insignia.  It was a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon I won't soon forget! Now back to Connie---
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