Mountains to the Mediterranean

We left Spoleto for our early train departure to Rome and then onwards to Agropoli.We were ready to move on to the coast for some sea air and swimming. The train journey was interesting. We were lucky to have purchased seats as others stood crammed in the aisles, some fighting over their right to a seat. The man opposite Terence looked over and said 'e normale' (this is normal). I listened to the conversation that unfolded in our carriage, something about Venezuela and the way of life over there. These strangers in our carriage gradually strike up a conversation and converses until it is our time to get off at Agropoli. I love how Italians strike up a conversation with a stranger and then appear to be long time friends. 

We are informed that there are taxis to Castellabate but the quote of 35 Euro for a short trip doesn't match what we were informed by the owner of Reidenza Tamar in Castellabate. So we opt for a bus to Santa Maria di Castellabate (the beachside town below). We then get picked up in one of those tiny 3 wheeled ute vehicles and get zipped up the mountain to Castellabate.

The sweeping views of the Mediterranean are breathtaking. Aaahhh, it feels so good to be on the coast and smell the salt in the air. Castellabate is fabulous, perched at the top of the hill overlooking the sea below. We are staying in the UNESCO World Heritage historic town which is a maze of laneways and arched doorways, where everything echoes and the sun tries to shed brightnes where it can. We have stepped onto the movie set of my favourite Italian film called 'Benvenute al Sud'. We recognise the piazza where a lot of the film took place. It is fabulous! The local mean play cards, the odd voice can be heard echoising through the laneways.

We spent the afternoon at the beach, walking 4 km down the hill. We manage to find the public beach wedged between two private beaches. The water is warm but not too warm. We then stroll along the shore to the seaside town of Santa Maria di Castellabate. The vibe is relaxed as people wonder the street with swimmers , sandals and seasalt on their skin. 

This is home foe another 4 nights. The sun is shining and the sea is calling me ....