Following our enchanting evening on the Isle of Capri, we woke slowly and took our time wandering the winding pathways from our hotel towards the center of town. We stopped for pastries at our favorite basement bakery, chatting with other travelers and sipping hot espressos while taking turns chasing Everyn up and down the steps. Afterwards as we waited to ride back down to the marina I stood beneath the white pillars taking in the sweeping Mediterranean views one last time, and breathed a silent thank you. For all of it.
Our ferry back to Positano was slotted to leave at noon, but as we arrived to board were informed there would be no ferry back to Positano. The waves were too choppy to navigate the shallow waters of the tiny port. A brief moment of panic swept over me, what?! So we're just stuck here?? Immediately soothed by, oh! Wait. So we're like, stranded on the Isle of Capri...
The attendants pointed us towards another boarding ferry to Sorrento, suggesting we simply catch the bus from there back into Positano. The unexpected chance to return to stunning Sorrento instantly won me. We had no real plans for the day anyway. The unexpected, unplanned adventure is half the reason I love to travel. It does wonders for my free spirited soul. It took a number of years for my super organized, well planned husband to embrace the notion, but after experiencing a few unforgettable rabbit trails around the globe he's finally come to love them, too.
These photos make it obvious why Sorrento is so entrancing. Bustling but not overwhelming, it sits directly on the cliffs over the water. Mt. Vesuvius in the background, the islands of Capri and Ischia just off shore, it's the perfect base if you want to explore the many villages up and down the Amalfi coast.
Seriously, how gorgeous is this place? The first time I laid eyes on it those many years ago it left me breathless. I was truly heartbroken the day we had to pack up and leave. The vow we made to return that day is precisely what brought us back.
We arrived and wandered, taking it all in like the unexpected gift it was. Chatting with locals, eating gelato, pigeon chasing, gazing out at ships at sea. I'll never forget the sound of Ev squealing and screaming as she chased those birds in circles, causing an entire cafe to erupt in amused laughter and offer her endless bread for feeding.
A simple, well lived day in my book. Unexpected joys are always the richest.
If ever you have the chance, do fall in love with this lovely city. Its siren call may just draw you time and again.
Up Next: Beauty in the Cliffs Over Positano