Nathan's Insights

World Traveller: 7 Continents, 90 Countries, 871 Days Overseas

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  • World Trip 2006: Day 82: Amalfi and Naples to Rome, Italy

    Sunday 18 June 2006
    Highlights: The beautiful Amalfi coast seen from the edge of cliffs

    Another early start (7 am) which was necessary to avoid the many tourist who drive on this coast.   We followed the coastal road to the towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.   Luckily we had a good driver otherwise we’d end up of the cliff and fall to our death.   The truth is I’m not sure how the bus got around the corners as I don’t think I would have got a car around them.

    There is no way townships would be built in the positions of these ones today, they are way too remote.   Some of the hotels cost 600 euro a night, others more.   I took the opportunity to get a much needed haircut in Amalfi and let these tourist towns take some much need money from me when I eat at them (very expensive but good food).

    We also stopped in Naples on the way back.   I have to say that I now have a worst list for European cities.   We visited the world’s first mall (thanks Naples) but every shop was closed (it was Sunday and this is Catholic Italy).   The smog is overwhelming and the city incredibly dirty.  The problems at Naples actually make the views in the rest of the Italian Explorer not as good as the ‘mist’ (aka smog) comes down to these sites as well.

    If you don’t think humans are killing the environment visit this city.   Arriving back in Rome I managed to catch the second half of the Australia versus Brazil World Cup match.  While Brazil scored twice I thought Australia played well.   Getting into my room I found I had the 3rd bed, the high & difficult climb, oh well it’s only for 2 nights.

  • World Trip 2006: Day 81 – Isle of Capri, Italy

    Saturday 17 June 2006
    Highlights: Stunning view on the Isle of Capri

    An early start (7.30 am) and we were on a ferry to the Isle of Capri.   This Isle has been home to Roman Emperors since 30 AD and is now home to very wealthy individuals.   The Isle is incredible, the views are stunning.   We explored the Isle for the whole day taking in both townships (Capri and Anacapri).   The rich and the shameless are at play on this Isle.   Taking the chairlift up to the highest point make the Isle seem more incredible if that was possible.

    After walking down the Phoenician Stairways (882 steps, 40 minutes and sore legs) Danny, Ben and myself went swimming on the local ‘beach’.   This beach didn’t really have sand but instead rocks and people just play on them (they hurt my feet a little bit).   The water however is great (cold but very refreshing) and the water extra salty for some reason.

    I end the day at the campsite talking to my fellow travellers into the night about their adventures and life in general, at great day.

  • World Trip 2006: Day 80 – Pompeii and Sorrento, Italy

    Friday 16 June 2006
    Highlights: The buried city of Pompeii, the strong local drink – limoncello

    Setting off at 8 am I began the 3 day Italian Explorer Tour with 51 other people (sold out).  The first stop was the ancient city of Pompeii which in 79AD was buried under ash and dust after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.   This eruption was only of ash and toxic gases, unfortunately this meant that the 2,000 people who died did so by being buried alive and slowly poisoned (the next day) by the gases.   The site is in a great condition as a result.

    Pompeii was a major trading port during it’s time.   There was over 20 bakeries and 30 fast food places.   BTW   A lot of buildings used an interesting symbol for good luck, check out the photo!

    We are staying at a camp site in Sorrento which some people on the tour found a little rough.   The group had an organised tour of the city plus diner.   I should mention that  Danny from earlier on my BusAbout travels was also on this tour.

    During the tour we got some free shots of a local drink called limoncello, this drink would kill many things.   Lemons are a big part of the culture in Southern Italy and they grow to the size of a football (I’m not kidding here).

  • World Trip 2006: Day 79 – Rome, Italy

    Thursday 15 June 2006
    Highlights: Relaxing by a pool

    A day spent around the pool and working out my options for the China leg of my trip after I got an e-mail informing me the company had cancelled my original tour.   I’ll now be doing a shorter and much more basic trip which will result in me getting back to Australia one week earlier than planned (29 August).   These things happen unfortunately.   I also got time to speak to Lana and my Mum which was good.

  • World Trip 2006: Day 78 – Rome, Italy

    Wednesday 14 June 2006
    Highlights: San Giovanni Church, old Rome City Wall

    Today was so very hot, I felt the smog of the city for the first time, that I cut my time in the city down to only a few hours.   I did however visit San Giovanni Church, the official seat of the Pope as ‘Bishop of Rome’ and the former headquarters of the Catholic Church before the Vatican.

    The Church was the first Basilica built in the city for the Catholic Church in the 4th century and is very impressive.   I also visited a section of the old city wall.   After experiencing the Roman siesta (things closed during the middle of the day) I headed back to the safety of the campsite pool and stayed there until I watched the Germany’s beat Poland on the big screen.