We took a day trip from Sorrento along the Amalfi coast. Spectacularly beautiful scenery, and I'm really glad we were in a boat rather than trying to drive that twisty turny road with those crazy Italian drivers!

I had to include a picture of the Isle of Capri, which was just breathtaking.

In the seaside town of Amalfi, I was amused to find chile ristras at the local produce stand. I also bought some tomato and some cauliflower seeds at this particular stand, only to have them confiscated by US Customs when we came back to the States. Next time I'll not be so honest!

How come my garlic never looks anywhere near this good?

Even a trip to the bank looks more appealing if it has a courtyard like this!

Did I mention bouganvilleas are popular in Italy?

I promise, this is the last bouganvillea pic--outside our hotel in Sorrento.

I did manage to find an Italian garden nursery in Sorrento, and cornered the poor shopkeeper right at closing time to ask about the Italian name of the red wildflower I was seeing everywhere. She spoke no English, I speak only very limited tourist Italian, but we got there eventually--"il papavero", the poppy.

Here I am on my way to the flowering plant section.

On our way back to Rome, we stopped off to tour the ruins at Pompeii. If you ever get a chance, take a tour--they are amazing. This was a garden that, based on an analysis of the preserved roots left in the soil after the site was excavated, they have replanted to resemble what the formal gardens of a rich Pompeiian merchant would have looked like. Again, could have used a little TLC with some pruners, but still...

Unfortunately, the Italians have discovered oleanders; the good news is they're not quite as ubiquitous as they are here.

The Italians do, however, have "roses"! :)

Tucsonjill said:Did I mention bouganvilleas are popular in Italy?

Someone waters very diligently to have so many bougs in bloom on your patio that way. And the mess from the flowers...have to admire that gardener!

And finally, I did promise dessert!

This was after the very best meal I think I ate on the whole trip, at a restaurant called--what else? "Il Papavero!"

Thanks for letting me share! DH doesn't know it, but I'm already trying to figure out how to get back... :)

Tucsonjill said:I promise, this is the last bouganvillea pic--outside our hotel in Sorrento.

That tree is about half the size of the one in Guadalupe, over by AZ Mills mall. I keep forgetting to take a pic when I'm down that way. Maybe when I'm on vacation in two weeks I'll make that my stay home vacation and get a pic of that boug tree.

Your pictures are beautiful. What was the cost of living in Italy? Almost looks like a great place to retire to!!!

Alan

Thanks for the compliment, Alan! I had lots of fun taking them.

I have no good way of estimating the COL in Italy. Mostly we were in very touristy areas, doing very touristy things, so of course it was expensive. When we were out in Chianti, prices were much more reasonable.

I suppose the two best comparison points I could make would be: a bottle of water, usually about $1.25, and a package of tomato seeds, about $4.40.

Wow Jill! I bet you had an awesome time! Your pictures are beautiful, absolutely beautiful! WHEN you go again, bring a big suitcase 'cuz I'm hitching along for the ride - lol.

Too bad about your seeds. Good thing you didn't snag any "rose" seeds - lol.

Thanks for sharing Jill! Just gorgeous! I like seeing them here better than on Facebook...the enlarge feature is better!

I love the bougies so much. I'd love to buy one and make a tree. (Alan, be sure to take a photo!)

And I love windows ... they are fun for me to paint. They show something about the person living there. This one you posted shows a bird cage if you look closely.

I want to go to Italy!!

Jill can you please take two extra suitcase. I will occupy the other one!! I would love to see Italy but I really want to go and visit the non touristy places!!

So was the food amazing?

Jill, thanks for the great tour of Italy. I was there in 2006 and went to many of the places you did so it brings back wonderful memories!

Glad you all like the pics--I had tons of fun taking them, and it was great to go back through them again and see what I actually ended up with!

Marie, Kelly, I'm afraid you're on your own--with what the #^%( airlines are charging for extra suitcases these days, it's almost cheaper to just buy the lousy ticket. And yes, the food was beyond fabulous. I'm still thinking very fond, wistful thoughts about a couple of meals in Chianti. Mmmmmm.... There was one restaurant we ended up in, in Sorrento, that was sort of like the Italian version of the Olive Garden (we nicknamed it the Lemon Garden), which was probably the most Americanized place we were--and even the food there was pretty darn good! But get away from the tourist drag, and it was drop-dead delectable. Even (or maybe especially) the things with eyeballs...

Oh Jill!
Thanks for the tour! I can tell you just really enjoyed yourselves! What's not to like about Italy?
I've been 3 times and plan to go another 3 times. I LOVE Italy, the Italians, the Food and the Language.
Your pics are picture Perfect ..... Thanks!

Take me to carry your bags Susie!