Erik is due to head back to the US tomorrow, so the past
couple of days have been a great whirlwind. It’s been a fun three weeks, and we’re
done some traveling and eaten some great meals. We’ve seen some of the most
beautiful places on earth, like the Grotta della Poesia, the Vatican Museum and
the Amalfi Coast. We’ve also relaxed by the sea for hours. 
Sunday night was Erik’s last in Campomarino for 2016, so we
made the most of it. We had a great visit from friends of the family, Dainiele
and Felicina Monaco, followed by a night out in Termoli. Most of the day was
rainy, but the evening was clear and refreshing. Mom’s wheelchair broke this
week, so she is basically immobile. So Erik’s last trip to Termoli is likely my
last trip to Termoli. We had dinner at Ristorante Federico II, drinks at BiGo,
and gelato at YoGo. Then we went back to Campomarino for an evening
passiagiatta (walk).
Yesterday, we had a great frittata breakfast, followed by a
trip to Sorrento. Driving near the Amalfi Coast town is daring, especially
since getting there involves driving through some small, Napolitan towns, and
they drive crazy. At any moment, a scooter, a biker, a walker, or a truck might
just pop out in front of you. Nerves of steel are needed to drive these roads.
Sorrento was as beautiful as ever. We walked the steps to the port, and all over
the center of town. Last night we had dinner right on the main piazza at Fauna.
It is the perfect spot for people watching, and delicious food. I love how they
ended the meal by offering us a shot of limoncello with our check. 
When in Sorrento, which is one of the few beautiful places
that make up the Amalfi Coast, one thing to do is take a day cruise to the
Island of Capri, as well as Positano and Amalfi. The day cruises do not run
everyday, and there is little control of your time and what you can actually
see. So if you’re planning on a trip to the Amalfi Coast, stay in Sorrento, but
give yourself a few days to see it all. We were heading up to Rome today, so we
didn’t have a ton of time to hand to a boat captain. Last night, Mom, Erik and
I decided that it might be best to drive the Amalfi Coast. This is one of
National Geographic’s Drives of a Lifetime, and they’re right. For the passengers,
driving the coast from Sorrento is filled with breathtaking panoramas. For the
driver, it’s a day filled with breathtaking turns and small prayers that we do
not get clipped off the cliff by a local motorist or tour bus. We passed
through many towns, including Massa Lubrense, Termini, Sant’Agata, Positano,
Praiano, Amalfi, Minori, and Maioni. It was a beautiful ride. The coast is just
stunning, and I completely recommend taking this ride to everyone. It was a
whole new way to experience the Amalfi Coast, and one that I will always
remember. There are spots to stop to take photos, or people can act like the
Italians and just stop anywhere to get out and take photos.
After death-gripping the steering wheel for the entire
coast, we hopped on an autostrade and took a jaunt up to Rome. Security is way
more of a presence today so something is definitely up in Rome. Tomorrow, Erik
has his flight back to America, and Mom and I head back to Campomarino for the
final week and a half.
