After yesterday’s hiking extravaganza, Jill took herself off to visit another village in the hills. Sue and Russ decided more exploration around our town (Vietri Sul Mare) would be enough to stretch the legs!
Up the hill again looking back at the agricultural plot, growing fruit and vegetables.
This orange tree up close, laden with fruit which will ripen over the next few months.
In search of a castle, we can see from the beach, we took a path less travelled (by tourists) into the local housing areas.
A large mosaic in the middle of a paved plaza, the ceramic designs are all through the town.
The local primary school – playgrounds limited!
We followed our noses out towards the edge of the cliffs and a lovely old lady gave us instructions (totally in Italian, but pointing worked) to a couple of things she thought we should see!
A clifttop plaza lookout, with views of the large villas perched high above the bay.
Another small plaza with a full model village (all made in ceramics)which included the colleseum, Roman forum, and Bethlehem! Amazing detail!
A little close up of part of the model where you can see the figurines. These are called ‘Presepi’, originally only made as nativity scenes, but now include other scenes of Italian life.
We found my castle on the Cliff – behind locked gates. From what we could gather it is a religious sanctuary, or the home of the head catholic hierarchy in the town.
Making our way back towards the town centre and our favourite coffee stop, we noticed an old man, in what looked like a small garage, making figurines out of clay! We started chatting, us in English, him in Italian and with lots of pointing we both understood each other somewhat!
He then took us through a locked door into another back garage, where he showed us the process of ceramic making. In this shed – he had the raw clay, hand made models (lots of donkeys and goats), his kiln for firing, his glazing urn, his paints and an array of his artwork!
He allowed me to take a picture of him, in his workshop, and I bought a small donkey and goat (we know these are handmade and not mass produced as the ones we see in the town appear to be) He also gave me a fish! This started a whole new ‘conversation’ on our mutual love of fishing!
Onwards and upwards we explored
Through tunnels connecting streets or not (sometimes a dead end and we had to backtrack)
And here we are at the heart of the town – church of St John the Baptiste.
Couldn’t resist another photo of the inside, with beautiful art and bright natural light.
Another of Italian peculiarities, the water fountains and in our town, of course ceramic!
Coffee break and a little more exploring to be had.
Italian policeman directing traffic (whilst talking on his mobile phone) at a five road intersection.
The mermaid in the main town plaza – guarding the path to the sea.
This very cute shop assistant, guarding the door to a ceramic shop. You wouldn’t think to leave without paying!
And finally…..
Russ beside the artwork outside the tourist information centre! Everything looking very green (including Russ as he only brought one sweater with him).
With only half an hour before midday shop closing time, we thought we better head to the supermarket store and grab the few things we needed!
Thankfully we did not need to negotiate these steps (with our slightly stiff legs)
Finally laden with our shopping we headed home for an afternoon siesta!
This guy already taking his, on a very comfortable motorbike seat!
The path less travelled, when not in a rush, unravels many treasures and peculiarities of culture and life of the people who live here. The reason we wander…
All who wander are not Lost girls 