The boys’ flight was delayed for 2 hours so we enjoyed a few Birra and panini on the patio at the airport in Naples. Our driver was there on time to pick us up and drive us to Atrani. Unfortunately, it was dark by the time we were driving so we could not take in the scenery but the narrow, very winding road was very reminiscent of the Mountains of North Scotland or the road to reach Chamonix in France. We were glad that Roberto was driving!

Once at the villa, Antoinette showed us around and opened the door to the most amazing terrazzo! This is even better than the photos!

We take in the view and then walk down the 50 steps to the road to go to this restaurant on the water. We meet Andrea, one of our most friendly server. He informs me that I can not have parmigiana for my pasta with clams and mussels. Every time someone puts parmigiana on fish, an Italian die 😳 They are all most welcoming and the food is amazing!

The next day, the ones who are up by 6:45 are witnessed to a fabulous sunrise which unfortunately does not last long. Clouds are rolling in and the waves are huge!

Marc-Andre and I leave early to walk over to Amalfi and enjoy a coffee and the freshest orange juice (spurmate al arancia). In front of us, in all its glory is the cathedral. Absolutely beautiful! But even more touching is seeing these older couples all dressed up, climbing all these steps, very slowly, to attend mass.

Back to the apartment, the rain does not let out….a few of us walk back to Amalfi to enjoy a lunch and I have a very flavourful and comforting vegetable soup. Pasta with mussels for chuck!

We walk around a bit to discover a small market where we buy salami and cheese as well as beer and wine. We find a vegetable vendor where I buy tomatoes, onions and pasta to cook at home so we can enjoy the terrasse tonight. Antoinette has warned us that Sunday afternoon and night, most stores and restaurants are closed so we will eat on our patio. Unfortunately it is mostly a rainy day so we enjoy the rain with a good book from the patio.

During a short reprieve, Marc-Andre, Mathew and I go down to the road to walk a bit in Atrani to discover the beautiful views of the cliffs from different angles as well as the church and the small back alleys with the never ending staircase.

On Monday we wake up to more rain and our tour to the lemon farm is unfortunately canceled. Disappointing since we walked to the town in the pouring rain but we sit at our favorite cafe to enjoy our freshly pressed orange juice and coffee, while Alex and Mathew order an English breakfast of bacon and eggs.

As I walk in Amalfi, I find a local marketto and fish vendor so I will come back to buy supplies to cook a nice fish dinner on the patio rather than walk around in the pouring rain again.

When we go back the fish market is closed! Italian have a very loose idea of time and things seems to close unexpectedly. We end up at the butcher and buy veal scallopini, 3 of the biggest amalfi lemons I have ever seem and supplies for pasta and salads. But first we walk to Atrani to try to get a “lemoni sorbetto” but discover that everything is closed because Denzel is filming Equalizer 3 in the area!

Back at the apartment we are treated to an amazing double rainbow!

Dinner is a treat, everything is so fresh and bursting with flavour!

Tuesday morning, the sun is finally out and we make our way to the ferry to spend the day in Positano. The view is spectacular of course and the 25 minutes ride is very picturesque.

While Positano is beautiful and as with the other towns, the houses are pretty and the views as we climb the twisting road is nice, it is much more touristique and commercial than Amalfi. I do love the street with the wines overhead!

We walk to the top and find this overpriced restaurant with an amazing view. Well worth it!

Who would have thought…I bumped into a mom from Mississauga I hadn’t seem in over 10 years!….what are the chances!

Back on the ferry to return to Amalfi in a rougher seas than in the morning. Once in the town, we do some last minute shopping, and again, the store I was going to buy some ceramics souvenir is closed! Why?!?! Nevertheless we find new little alleys to have fun!

And yes mathew is using a hat from our apartment 🤣

We walk back to the apartment, barely missing some unexpected rain and decide to still go for a dip in te Mediterranean. While it is chilly, it is surprisingly confortable once we jump in!

Final night in Atrani….we drive to Puglia tomorrow.