J CLYDE FAMILY: Italy Day Twelve- An Anniversary Not To Be Forgotten

This morning we met our own private guide, Domineco, for a day on the Amalfi Coast. Today became an anniversary that Cheryl and I will never forget.

First, we headed out of Naples and heading up the mountains to get to the coast line, Domineco educated us on the Italian Lifestyles, life history, and various tid bits. At the summit we pulled over and he had sized Cheryl and I up and knew what our desires and wants of the day would be. A fantastic oversight of Naples was observed and then onward to the coast we climbed.

Stopping at Villa Cimbroe in Ravello, we climbed to a little know garden and saw some spectacular sights. Looking down the steep canyons walls at the small villages that lined the coast line. Here it was pointed out the the Americans during World War II lost over 4,000 troops as they tried to invade Italy and faced the steep slopes and the German Army Gun Turrets. Some of they turrets still in place today. This Garden alone made the day; however, Domineco informs us that we have not seen anything as of yet.

Moving down the mountain and onto the coast line we travelled through Amalfi. Positano, and finally Sorrento. In Positano, we found a wonderful tile shop that takes volcanic limestone and creates ceramic tile works of art from them. Decorative tiles, dishes, bowls, flower pots, and tables. Hm.. yea we need a table for our patio deck. What do you think? Why not have a table made and shipped to Highland Utah. Okay. All we can say is that I'll be working for the next ten years to pay for the table yet it is a great investment that our family will enjoy for years to come.

Positano is the place where Domineco grew up and he had made arrangements for a special lunch for Cheryl and I. High up on the cliff we were treated to a real Italian dinner with vegetables, octopus, eggplant, cheese, ham, Gnocchi, Mama's Pasta and a special anniversary cake. Yes, they made a special cake that wished us a Happy Anniversary with a candle to blow out. We indeed felt honored and appreciated the efforts in our behalf.

Our view was spectacular at lunch and in many ways we hated to say goodbye to the restaurant staff but we needed to head to Sorrento for some Gelato and then take the short way back to Naples. We had just entered a long tunnel when the traffic came to a halt. After sitting for approximately 30 minutes, we found out that the highway ahead was being blocked by picket lines of a strike. I just can't get away from the trials of Unions. After probably another 20 minutes, Domineco turned the van around and it was back the way just came to Naples. One hour outside of Naples and we had to turn around and return back the way we came taking over two more hours. Well we did get to see the Amalfi Coast twice thanks to the union strike.