kybourbon

I think one of you going to Sorrento should go to the Aminta and swim laps for us. The Aminta cam refreshes every 60 seconds. What should a Fodorite wear to swim laps in Sorrento?

Grasshopper

I've swam laps at the Aminta! I was training for a triathlon I was doing a couple of weeks after my return home and I had to swim every day I was there. We've stayed at the Aminta twice and I really love it. The views from the hotel are absolutely amazing.

One thing that occured to me on my recent trip to Rome is how Italian restaurants, cafes, trattorias, et.al. really pull in their pieces and slide down the metal doors and when they aren't open you can hardly find them again! One morning I was looking for a place we had enjoyed several years ago on Piazza Farnese and you couldn't even tell there were restaurants there by night. They even roll in the plants!

cmt

To those of you who enjoy the Sorrento webcam and may even be addicted to it: Would you be able to explain WHY you like it? This is something that is apparently going over my head, and it's hard for me to understand why it fascinates quite a few people. (I'm usually interested in just about anything, up to a point.)

tpatricco

SeaUrchin - I think if you're gonna hold a sign it should say "SeaUrchin" so we know it's you!

Kyburbon - a Fodorite would wear a black bathing suit, of course, and a swimcap with their screen name scrawled across the forehead!

SeaUrchin

Ha, that should turn a few heads, but I will do it, I can't pass down a good dare!

How about this, I will post on the day I am in the town and go have lunch or gelato and then come back a few hours later with my seaurchin sign?

I can't explain why I like the web came so much other than the fact that, like Marilyn says, it is real time and you are close enough to see each person.

I guess too it is because I know the area so well that I will sit and stare at cobblestones waiting for something to happen!

OK, so now laps at Arminta? Where is it? I assume up in the hills? I don't know if I am up to prancing around in a bathing suit on camera, maybe behind a beach towel.....


As for

Betsy

CMT, I don't think it's possible to explain addiction; it's part of the nature of addiction! When I'm looking at that inconsequential little intersection in Sorrento, I'm as good as there. The rest of the world just disappears for a few minutes. Isn't that what addiction is all about? Also, an infinite number of possibilities exist in the lens of that webcam. No one could predict what might show up next. Trivial in the overall scheme of things, but soooo much fun.

sfowler

Good explanation Betsy.

For me it is the contrast between the "small world" of that corner -- the reality of what were are seeing in its very ordinariness. And then, with a refresh -- people disappear/appear. It's both REAL and ephemeral at the same time.

chardonnay

Hi, I will be in that area off and on for the next few weeks so I will get in touch with you by email, Seaurchin.

Is the web cam ready for the both of us?

How about Gary in Fla, I thought he was in the area that time too! Anyone else?

kismetchimera

I am looking at the web cam in this moment..10:58 central time..
There is a lot of activities, the ladies are wearing slacks and i saw a fat tourist(lady) in jeans and yes White Sneakers..

sfowler

A little after 10pm and lots of activity -- you know there might be a Master's thesis in this

kybourbon

Since several Fodorites are going to be in the area it is time for a Fodor's pool party at the Aminta. All of us stuck in the states can you watch you in your black speedos/thong bikinis swimming laps or sitting round the pool sipping lemoncello.

Betsy

Uh-oh, I can't access the webcam on Netscape or Explorer! My palms are starting to perspire. Anyone else having problemos? I really enjoyed the passegiata (?sp) earlier.

kismetchimera

I have the same problem Betsy...Too bad...is fun to watch it every so often.

Betsy

Oh whew. Glad the glitch isn't just something going on with my connection. Hope it's up and running again soon. I've been leaving it running in the background and checking the action everytime I pass by the computer.

StCirq

I wouldn't say I'm addicted to this because I tend to forget about it until it's so late at night in Italy that I'm not seeing much, but just the immediacy of being able to watch what is going on in a particular spot in Europe - albeit not a particularly attractive spot, but a human and normal one - feeds my imagination. If I can't be in Europe, I can at least SEE Europe "happening." I think that's where the addiction factor lies. Plus I love noticing the details like how the pavement shines when it's raining and mothers are dragging their disgruntled children across the intersection, and motorcycles are chugging up, and people are sauntering by chatting on cell phones. And everyone is so stylish in that inimitable Italian way they have. It's REAL, but it's 3,500 miles away - that's what makes it addictive!

chardonnay

I agree St. Cirq, it is a simple slice of life and that is what makes it interesting.

I have known about it for some time and when I was in Sorrento last year I was walking up that street and thought that the tabacchi shop looked familiar, when I got past it I remembered that it was the web cam plaza.

I went back and waved to anyone who was watching, but it is hard to tell there is a camera at all. I bet not many locals even know it is there.

Betsy

...And it's back on line! Down for maintainance, maybe?

sfowler

See the new thread -- Hot off the Sorrento webcam

Marilyn

StCirq -- you nailed it.

sfowler

For those who may have missed my other post:
http://fisherfowler.net/felicitations.html

Thanks Betsy -- what I enjoy here is the ordinariness and transience.