From Salerno we took a two hour train ride south along the mountainous coast and got off in Sapri, a small town of maybe 15,000 people situated along a beautiful bay. Steep mountains rise just beyond the town and up and down this coastal area. We found a pleasant hotel across from the sea promenade with a view of the bay from our room. We are staying here four days visiting nearby towns, going for hikes and relaxing by the beach. The water here is warm and the air temps have been near 80 degrees every day. We have the hotel breakfast buffet and share a restaurant meal once a day at most. To limit our spending, we buy salads and casseroles from the supermarkets that we eat in our hotel room or have a picnic. We also grab food from the breakfast buffet to supplement our lunch.
Italy is gearing up for elections and you can see political posters all around, right, center, and left. In Salerno I saw two men systematically posting right-wing posters over the center-left candidate's string of posters. The right wing probably has a lot more money and a lot more publicity, like in the U.S., since they control the mass-media.
Italy has been very charming and picturesque and has been a delight to travel in. However, we have sometimes noticed seemingly hostile stares from local people maybe because Ana is perceived as an immigrant or else because of my scruffy appearance. On the other hand, many people, especially the hotel staff, have been very helpful and friendly.
Some difficult moments have occurred trying to get information at the train stations where people have been quite unhelpful. Sometimes we have waited at the track to get on a train and then at the last minute the track number is changed and we have to scramble to figure out where our train is leaving from to catch the correct train.
No comments:
Post a Comment