Leaving Amalfi, I walked to the village of Ravello for my bus departure. The bus for Salerno was going from there instead of Amalfi due to the risk of rockfalls. So I nervously dragged my luggage along the coast road to Ravello and boarded the bus. From Salerno, I took the train south into Calabria and the beautiful seaside resort town of Tropea.
Again I found myself in a town where the main industry is tourism, the atmosphere was subdued and the weather was cold as I checked in. The following day brought milder, sunny conditions as I ventured out for coffee and breakfast. The smell of freshly baked bread drew me to a corner store where I got coffee and a freshly baked roll with Calabrese Pepperoni and local cheese - so good.
I found a scenic spot and settled into my breakfast as a local greeted me and began some friendly banter. Before I knew what was happening I was on the back of this bloke's Vespa hurtling down the hill towards the marina where his boat (tub) was moored. I had agreed to a boat ride along the coast for a price (which would change) with this local fisherman Salvatore.
As the boat slipped its moorings and the engine failed to start I wondered what I had got myself into. Were we crossing the River Styx? After several attempts, the engine sputtered to life and we were on our way out of the marina along the coast of this beautiful locale.
The first image is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola of Tropea, the only shot I took in Tropea before being waylaid. The remainder are from the boat ride. A great experience. Cheers to Salvatore, a real operator.
Next week the final part of my stay in Tropea.
Cheers, Stuee
Comments