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AMALFI:
Here
we are doing some Tai Chi in the splendid town of Amalfi along
the south west Mediterranean coast where the rich and famous
like to hang out, so I heard. The drive down the coast road
to get there was pure hell. Yes, Italian drivers ARE insane!
But once we got there it was heavenly to just relax in the
warm sun, play on the beach and cavort in the sea like happy
kids.
(Please
click on the image to see an enlargement)
Beautiful
sunrises, sunsets and richness of color in the land and sea
inspired me to paint my favorite painting of this trip. You
can probably tell by the contented look on my face that I
love this place.
(Please
click on the image to see an enlargement)
This
is also where the world famous Amalfi paper is made and a
tour of their museum intrigued me no end. Even today, some
of this paper is still made by hand in the original ‘natural’
manner where the finished sheets are taken up into the high
mountain caves to dry in the wind. However, this precious
paper is only given to the Pope and other high dignitaries
for their very important documents. Jim and I bought their
‘affordable’ paper to sketch and write neat stories upon and
even a pack each of Amalfi computer paper. For more information
…
Email: info@museodellacarta.it
Web: www.museodellacarta.it
CAPRI:
A
spontaneous day trip from Amalfi to Capri brought smiles to
our faces, especially since the sea was calm and the sky blue.
We are not good sailors and don't do waves! This island is
not big (see top left photo) but has made good use of available
building space, now full of picturesque homes perched on and
around narrow cliff roads. The many shops are mostly geared
to rich folk and we stared in awe at one of the world's most
expensive 5 star hotels where Tom Cruise likes to indulge
himself here in his expensive suite.
(Please
click on the image to see an enlargement)
We,
however, had a great time exploring the island, buying t-shirts,
and I bought perfume only made in Capri. We heard that during
World War 11 many of the world leaders would meet secretly
in the Piazza (square) here and discuss the state of the world
(probably over a delicious Italian dinner with pasta and wine).
Churchill and Eisenhower were two of the notables and we saw
the house where they used to meet in private. So, this island
is full of history and beauty it seems.
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