Thursday and Friday

Thursday and Friday - Sorrento

We left Assisi on the train about 11:30 headed toward Rome, then Naples and ending in Sorrento in one day. Sorrento is on the southern Italy coast. The train to Rome was a very fast train to Naples. We sat (assigned seats) close to a mother with two active children who spilled water everywhere but they were fun. In Naples we had to transfer to a regional train. We had to go down to a lower level for tickets and another train. The loud speaker continually stated "there are pickpockets" and here is the free police number if you re a victim. When our train came it was mostly locals traveling from work and a few travelers. This train traveled through some poorer areas and stopped at every little town. It was hot and crowded. We were entertained by a little band soliciting for money. We were glad we had arrived and began looking for an alternative way back to Naples.

We had reservations at a convent. We lugged the bags across the town (according to Rick's map) and then lugged them back the other way because the map was not clear. Of all the places we traveled, we have not experienced such traffic. Lots (cars, buses and motorbikes) going in both direction and extremely fast. The sidewalk was very narrow. We were not impressed. We found the convent late that night. We took our life in our hands again and went to the nearest pizzeria where we were delighted with pizza, local wine, anti pasta and just out-of-the-oven pizza rolls - 30 euros.! What a deal.





The convent is very old and some parts very run down but it did have old age charm. The young nun (Sister Monica) that helped us was great. There are four nuns that run the place (one is 96). We took a picture of the nuns fixing our toilet. The breakfasts were very good. The younger nun showed us their studio where they are working on several paintings with much gold leaf to send to their mission for their church. The view of the coast from our room and the terrace is














outstanding.


The next day we walked into town. Eileen took a local bus around and Judy and I walked around and took a train seeing some of the sights. Sorrento is the home of Saint Anthony. It is also known for it's lemons. There are many tourists. While we did laundry in the evening, we had dinner at a place a few doors down. We had spaghetti with clams, local wine, roasted zucchini and eggplant, tomato salad, and chocolate torte - 35 euros. It was fabulous. Food is good and inexpensive.

Tomorrow we head for Rome, our last city. Joan



We had mixed feelings about this city. The noise and traffic we hated. The sites are beautiful. The experience at the convent with the nuns was so nice. We felt like we could have an extended restful time here.


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