Positano: Sentiero degli dei (Path of the Gods)

Breathtaking.





Natural.





Beauty.





Today, we took the local bus up the mountain to a charming little town called Nocelle to hike part of the Path of the Gods.  You simply can't step out the front door here without amazing views but the bus rides are exceptional.  I don't really know how the path got its name...  I'm going to say it's because of the view and it appears that you are walking up to heaven.  We seriously felt like we were floating in clouds at times.

Waiting at the bus stop in Positano.

Once at the bus stop in Nocelle (which is literally the side of street that dead-ends), we walked to the center of Nocelle through its tiny, narrow alleys to the entrance of the path.

Town of Nocelle

There we found a rustic stone path, steep in parts but plenty of opportunities to rest.   We saw wild gorges, caves, terraces dropping from the cliffs to the sea and deep valleys.  I am told that the path is still used by farmers, woodsmen and shepherds, as it touches old vineyards clung to the mountain.

Vineyards at the path in Nocelle.

I wasn't sure what to expect walking this path with a 3 and 7 year old, but really they exceeded my expectations again.  M's favorite part of the hike was rock climbing with her dad and ARose was a little bunny rabbit jumping from stone to stone.  Mine was the stunning views and seeing the girls and Chris so happy.   The path was a bit crowded at times but everyone was so friendly especially to the kids.  They were the only kids out there which made me even more proud of them.

After our hike, we treated ourselves to a fresh, delicious lunch at Santa Croce in Nocelle, then took the bus back to Positano for more gelato!

Absolutely spectacular day!!!!!

Positano: Our Da Adolfo Excursion

Chris and I stumbled upon this hidden gem 10 years ago.  It's still here and better than ever.  You look for the boat with the red fish at Positano.  Hop on board for a 10 minute trip to a private beach with a fantastic beach side restaurant.   The seafood was as we remembered.....simply prepared in local olive oil, garlic and lemon; mozzarella melted in lemon leaves and mussels with pasta.  We ate and lounged all afternoon while the girls played with rocks....yes, just rocks.   I never knew rocks could be so entertaining!!  

The kitchen.

Anchovies...the way they are supposed to taste!

Our slice of heaven was on the right ...the little shack.

View from the boat

Her face says it all...it was time to leave:-((!

BUT.....gelato saved the day!

Positano

Our bus ride to Positano gave "breathtaking" new meaning.  Not just for the stunning views that I have no words for, but also for the puke in the seat directly behind us that literally took our breath away the entire 40 minutes.  Apparently, some poor soul on the ride before ours couldn't take the switchbacks.  No complaining here though.  Thank goodness we all have strong stomachs so we got a good laugh out of the situation and chalked this one up to an unforgettable experience.

Once in Positano, the unpleasantries melted away.  We are here!

206 steps to our apartment--one way!!  We logged at least 1000 steps today in total.  Our girls not once complained about the steps, but I did under my breath :-)..or should I say lack of breath.  I'm expecting to have some nice thighs after this trip:-)!   I will say it again, we have amazing girls.  I'm so proud of them.

This is now on Chris' Christmas wish list.  This is the first time he has said he wanted any car other than his  hoopty Honda.

Not water, but local vino from the grocer.  Life is Good!  Did I mention it was 4 Euro for 2 liters!!

OK, I have to pace myself with this limoncello....

Munich: Marienplatz

Munich was a bit colder than we thought it would be but we managed to stay warm and did a bit of sight seeing (and searching for sneakers for M since we didn't bring any and her feet were cold....finally found a pair at a reasonable price...yes, at H&M!).  

Ended our day with ARose conking out from sheer exhaustion...wow, she is one amazing 3 yr old!

Munich

We made it... a long and exhausting journey but we are here.  It's great to see Mike and Mel.  What would our first night in Munich (and afternoon for that matter) be if we didn't frequent a beer hall.  Prost!

And, goodnight!

Our Summer Adventure!!!!

(Courtesy of karineimages.centerblog.net)

Tomorrow is the day!!

This adventure has been 10 years in the making and is sure to be a life changing summer.  I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity. I am determined  to do my best to cease every single moment of this opportunity.  (Please remind me of this determination when we are having our first of many breakdowns!)

We will begin and end our trip in MUNICH with family....beirgartens, wursts, brezels, woo hoo!

We will settle in for a couple of days in Munich then we head down to the Amalfi Coast to begin our rest and relaxation part of trip.  Specifically, POSITANO, which in my opinion (and I am not alone, right Ang?) is one of the most beautiful places on earth.  There we will primarily be beach bums, but we will also do day trips to amazing places, hike the Path of Gods, visit a bufala farm, drink lemoncello...

Next, we will ferry to ISCHIA (the sister island of Capri).  Ischia is where the Ferrigno's are from so this will be an extra special place for us.  Thermal spas and more beaches, here I come!!

Next, we train it to the Eternal City ROME. This city is one of our favorite cities.   Yes, it's big and busy but no one can discount the incredible amount of ancient history and culture that is literally on every corner.  The energy  in this city cannot be touched.  Our Munich family will be joining us for this part of the trip including the next leg which will be even more special (thanks, Mike and Mel!).  Wait, have I mentioned gelato yet:-)!

Next, we will rent a car and travel through Florence (where we will stop to have the kids climb the duomo tower and mommy shop at the amazing town market!) to BOLOGNA in Emilia Romagna.  We plan to eat our way through this part of Italy--parma, mortadella, parmigiano reggiano, balsamic vinear, tortellini, bolgonese.  It is after all the foodie capital of the Italy.

Next, we travel by car to the ABRUZZO region.   This area is not as well known as some of the other Italian spots we are hitting but it is in line with Ischia for special towns given its familia importance.  Atessa was named after the town representing the other half of Chris' heritage.  I'm excited for the salame plants and olive mill tours, visiting the medieval villages, more beach time and ancient settlement excursions.  

Next, we make a quick stop in Nice before arriving in Provence.  We will base ourselves out of AVIGNON (within the walls)....roman ruins, markets, medieval towns, ancient theaters, lavender fields, wild horses, bike rides are on our list of activities.

Next, we train to PARIS where we will meet up once again with our Munich family plus other family members from the states.  Paris, need I say more?   The Eiffel tower has been talked about a lot by a certain little one; cheese, crepes, croissants, jams, and markets have been talked about a lot by a certain mommy!

Next, we train to GHENT Belgium. Een pintje or une biere, Liege waffles, mussels and pommes frites with mayo, chocolates, yes!  

Ending our trip (sniff, sniff) back in Munich celebrating with more family (happy).

I am of the firm belief that you experience culture best through its food and local living.  I could not be more ready for our once in a lifetime adventure.

Stayed tuned for more posts over the next 6 weeks.

Until next time, Ciao, A bientot, Wiedersehen

The Frigs

Bubble Time

With Cuz No-No

Merry Christmas from the Frigs!

And, the fashion show...of course!