Persimmons if I'm not mistaken. There was also a wide range of different tropical citrus on site. Guide Luisa was generally cognizant of our being the sole non-Italian speakers. But sometimes she lapsed into local Napolitano dialect, 'Eh lui!" We learned later that week that her phrase had meant "Hey you two--c'mere and see this!"
Persimmons if I'm not mistaken. There was also a wide range of different tropical citrus on site. Guide Luisa was generally cognizant of our being the sole non-Italian speakers. But sometimes she lapsed into local Napolitano dialect, 'Eh lui!" We learned later that week that her phrase had meant "Hey you two--c'mere and see this!"
0 2023/12/19 21:09:40
We lucked out at the last minute, by getting to be part of Luisa's final off-season Thursdays-only tour of the Mortella Gardens ('place of myrtles'). We lost out on the following night's live classical concert in their tiny Greek theater--it was sold out. Mortella was then closed til later in spring. They won the Top Garden of Italy back in 2004. Location: Lacco Ameno's upscale 'Zaro' neighborhood. Anziana discounts applied there.
We lucked out at the last minute, by getting to be part of Luisa's final off-season Thursdays-only tour of the Mortella Gardens ('place of myrtles'). We lost out on the following night's live classical concert in their tiny Greek theater--it was sold out. Mortella was then closed til later in spring. They won the Top Garden of Italy back in 2004. Location: Lacco Ameno's upscale 'Zaro' neighborhood. Anziana discounts applied there.
0 2023/12/19 21:09:25
This is the end of our overview. *Next: Mortella Gardens.
This is the end of our overview. *Next: Mortella Gardens.
0 2023/12/19 14:20:50
In Ponte, there were two places where one could find Vitamin 'G'.
In Ponte, there were two places where one could find Vitamin 'G'.
0 2023/12/19 14:19:22
Just outside our rental: a shoulder season night scene along Ponte's main drag.
Just outside our rental: a shoulder season night scene along Ponte's main drag.
0 2023/12/19 14:17:28
Porto (above) is the main harbor for Ischia, although ferries also call at Forio and Casamicciola. We also saw one ferry depart from Lacco Ameno. Porto was an attractive and colorful delight during the midweek, shoulder-season daytime hours, but one imagines that nocturnal high-season would be a loud party with dancers and lineups.
Porto (above) is the main harbor for Ischia, although ferries also call at Forio and Casamicciola. We also saw one ferry depart from Lacco Ameno. Porto was an attractive and colorful delight during the midweek, shoulder-season daytime hours, but one imagines that nocturnal high-season would be a loud party with dancers and lineups.
0 2023/12/19 14:12:42
Some fisherman were already out to sea from our very first morn on Ischia. One supposes that different seafood species have different seasons.
Some fisherman were already out to sea from our very first morn on Ischia. One supposes that different seafood species have different seasons.
0 2023/12/19 14:10:43
We always try to display fotos of the unusual. Here is a stylized letter, probably written by a local young man. My Italian is weak, and hopefully someone here will clarify, but is he not extolling the virtues of a certain shapely young woman? This letter was tied with an elaborate ribbon to the rainbow bench at Procida's main ferry terminal. Respetto da....
We always try to display fotos of the unusual. Here is a stylized letter, probably written by a local young man. My Italian is weak, and hopefully someone here will clarify, but is he not extolling the virtues of a certain shapely young woman? This letter was tied with an elaborate ribbon to the rainbow bench at Procida's main ferry terminal. Respetto da....
0 2023/12/19 14:07:00
I rest my case...or was it just an ashtray?
I rest my case...or was it just an ashtray?
0 2023/12/19 14:03:47
To have so much art around, be it ceramic, statuary, mosaic or whatever, was such a joy. 'Ponte' had an art gallery on its main drag and our rental displayed a couple of that artist's paintings in its entry. Shown above, a local cafe's painted décor barrel.
To have so much art around, be it ceramic, statuary, mosaic or whatever, was such a joy. 'Ponte' had an art gallery on its main drag and our rental displayed a couple of that artist's paintings in its entry. Shown above, a local cafe's painted décor barrel.
0 2023/12/19 13:57:41
This Ischian and his mates were moving their freshly-painted boats out from shore for the first time since winter.
This Ischian and his mates were moving their freshly-painted boats out from shore for the first time since winter.
0 2023/12/19 13:56:00
That seaside splurge rental can be seen dead center above. More detail about that wonderful apartment later.
That seaside splurge rental can be seen dead center above. More detail about that wonderful apartment later.
0 2023/12/19 13:54:03
The appealing Italian sense of style was evident throughout.
The appealing Italian sense of style was evident throughout.
0 2023/12/19 13:53:14
As you will see later, both Ischia and Procida have many citizens working as fishermen.
As you will see later, both Ischia and Procida have many citizens working as fishermen.
0 2023/12/19 13:45:17
Mrs Z and I are not beer drinkers but this sign was impossible not to include here.
Mrs Z and I are not beer drinkers but this sign was impossible not to include here.
0 2023/12/19 13:45:11
'Arturo's Island' is considered THE classic novel regarding the Procida of yesteryear.
'Arturo's Island' is considered THE classic novel regarding the Procida of yesteryear.
0 2023/12/19 13:45:01
'Beautiful' is a tired word, but the view from our rental apartment's patio was world-class. We chose it by design. Seen here, Ischia's iconic Aragonese castle. From here on, we'll refer to Ischia Ponte as simply 'Ponte'. As in 'bridge', like the one shown above linking the village with its castle. For many centuries, that bridge has been an umbilical cord of sorts.
'Beautiful' is a tired word, but the view from our rental apartment's patio was world-class. We chose it by design. Seen here, Ischia's iconic Aragonese castle. From here on, we'll refer to Ischia Ponte as simply 'Ponte'. As in 'bridge', like the one shown above linking the village with its castle. For many centuries, that bridge has been an umbilical cord of sorts.
0 2023/12/19 13:44:05
We arrived from Naples by hydrofoil. Ischia was not very crowded during the shoulder season. Its proximity to Vesuvius and its perch atop the much-larger 'super-volcano' means that it has been known for its thermal properties for millennia. Spas abound but many were closed til April or later.
We arrived from Naples by hydrofoil. Ischia was not very crowded during the shoulder season. Its proximity to Vesuvius and its perch atop the much-larger 'super-volcano' means that it has been known for its thermal properties for millennia. Spas abound but many were closed til April or later.
0 2023/12/19 13:43:56
Maori lantern shadow. *next: our traditional QUIZ followed by a wrap-up conclusion of Amalfi, Atrani and Minori.
Maori lantern shadow. *next: our traditional QUIZ followed by a wrap-up conclusion of Amalfi, Atrani and Minori.
0 2023/12/13 18:32:41
Maori roof tiles.
Maori roof tiles.
0 2023/12/13 18:32:13
If these two can do this path---then so can you!
If these two can do this path---then so can you!
0 2023/12/13 18:30:43
Maori appears soon after walkers reach sight of the distinctive Mezzacapo Castle on the town's edge. Workaday Maori is a good place to base if one wants keep to a strict, low-cost budget. It has no sights except for its appealing beach. As self-caterers, we went there to shop at both the competing grocery chain supermarkets there: DECO & NETTO.
Maori appears soon after walkers reach sight of the distinctive Mezzacapo Castle on the town's edge. Workaday Maori is a good place to base if one wants keep to a strict, low-cost budget. It has no sights except for its appealing beach. As self-caterers, we went there to shop at both the competing grocery chain supermarkets there: DECO & NETTO.
0 2023/12/13 18:23:53
Along the way, one passes some art on he walls of homes. In addition, one also passes 'CUONC CUONC' (slowly slowly) a farming family's cafe cum produce market stall--check for opening hours.
Along the way, one passes some art on he walls of homes. In addition, one also passes 'CUONC CUONC' (slowly slowly) a farming family's cafe cum produce market stall--check for opening hours.
0 2023/12/13 17:58:15
Near Torre hamlet and its petite church. Local growers do a lot of 'up and down'. Strong legs no doubt.
Near Torre hamlet and its petite church. Local growers do a lot of 'up and down'. Strong legs no doubt.
0 2023/12/13 17:57:22
Along the breezy path, walkers will pass countless groves where citrus is cultivated. You keep going along via vena. This farm on via Pedamentina was close to Maori and the end of the hike.
Along the breezy path, walkers will pass countless groves where citrus is cultivated. You keep going along via vena. This farm on via Pedamentina was close to Maori and the end of the hike.
0 2023/12/13 17:55:25
The ubiquitous limoncello is available in every shop catering to tourists, and then some. As well, one of Sal de Riso's signature pastry desserts is his take on a lemony sweet cream.
The ubiquitous limoncello is available in every shop catering to tourists, and then some. As well, one of Sal de Riso's signature pastry desserts is his take on a lemony sweet cream.
0 2023/12/13 17:54:23
Local 'Sfusato Amalfitano' lemons are a different type than you and I are used to. Gnarlier skin for starters. They are grown a bit larger and more aromatic. Supposedly higher in Vitamin C. They were once crucial exports going onto Britain and America.
Local 'Sfusato Amalfitano' lemons are a different type than you and I are used to. Gnarlier skin for starters. They are grown a bit larger and more aromatic. Supposedly higher in Vitamin C. They were once crucial exports going onto Britain and America.
0 2023/12/13 17:53:22
Such striking landscape. I rest my case (of limoncello).
Such striking landscape. I rest my case (of limoncello).
0 2023/12/13 17:52:29
Other views also soon emerge. All of them, every last one, includes the green, off-season gauze-wrapping done to protect all citrus groves here.
Other views also soon emerge. All of them, every last one, includes the green, off-season gauze-wrapping done to protect all citrus groves here.
0 2023/12/13 17:51:12
Lovely lemon land, you make us feel so fine... Lets do the Sentieri dei limone.
Lovely lemon land, you make us feel so fine... Lets do the Sentieri dei limone.
0 2023/12/13 17:49:21
Soon, one gets a great view of the church S. Trophimena down below. That is at the lookout called Mortella, which oddly enough is by some myrtle trees.
Soon, one gets a great view of the church S. Trophimena down below. That is at the lookout called Mortella, which oddly enough is by some myrtle trees.
0 2023/12/13 17:48:23
The hike starts on via Lama near the Minori public library. The start (shown here) is the only real steep section. It only takes a minute or two to climb. Really, its quite manageable for most.
The hike starts on via Lama near the Minori public library. The start (shown here) is the only real steep section. It only takes a minute or two to climb. Really, its quite manageable for most.
0 2023/12/13 17:43:36
These lemon ladies were real heroines back when the path was the only alternative to marine transport between Minori to Maiori. That was prior to construction of the main road. You can do the path in either direction. We did the E-W route twice. At 800 steps, it is a less strenuous alternative to the more high-profile Path of the Gods further north-west near Nocelle.
These lemon ladies were real heroines back when the path was the only alternative to marine transport between Minori to Maiori. That was prior to construction of the main road. You can do the path in either direction. We did the E-W route twice. At 800 steps, it is a less strenuous alternative to the more high-profile Path of the Gods further north-west near Nocelle.
0 2023/12/13 17:42:46
A further filmic connection, this time to Minori. The nocturnal scene in the recent 'Equalizer' wherein Denzel Washington kills bad guys with a van plus a set of keys, was shot right by the arch shown above. The young lady far left was actually one of our fellow guests at Mario Arzano's social get-together up at his Torre home. She and her girlfriend had just arrived from Bologna and had been dragged by Mario's elderly father-in-law off the Path of the Lemons and into our in-progress party!
A further filmic connection, this time to Minori. The nocturnal scene in the recent 'Equalizer' wherein Denzel Washington kills bad guys with a van plus a set of keys, was shot right by the arch shown above. The young lady far left was actually one of our fellow guests at Mario Arzano's social get-together up at his Torre home. She and her girlfriend had just arrived from Bologna and had been dragged by Mario's elderly father-in-law off the Path of the Lemons and into our in-progress party!
0 2023/12/13 17:25:23
As for TV, fans of 'Two Greedy Italians' may already know that chef Gennaro Contaldo and his sidekick, were both originally from Minori. This arch shown above was the very spot where poor Gennaro last saw his mother alive prior to his departing for London as a young man during the sixties. *Gennaro is the same chef who was shown on Stanley Tucci's CNN London episode, where they gather wild arugala before retiring to cook together at Tucci's London home.
As for TV, fans of 'Two Greedy Italians' may already know that chef Gennaro Contaldo and his sidekick, were both originally from Minori. This arch shown above was the very spot where poor Gennaro last saw his mother alive prior to his departing for London as a young man during the sixties. *Gennaro is the same chef who was shown on Stanley Tucci's CNN London episode, where they gather wild arugala before retiring to cook together at Tucci's London home.
0 2023/12/13 17:23:44
Italy was part of both wars, and their peasants bore the brunt. But nowadays seems to do a better job than other countries in staying free and clear of any further involvements. Good for them. *next: the Path of the Lemons (that name).
Italy was part of both wars, and their peasants bore the brunt. But nowadays seems to do a better job than other countries in staying free and clear of any further involvements. Good for them. *next: the Path of the Lemons (that name).
0 2023/12/13 16:28:23
Donkeys have actually played a important role here over the centuries. Ceramic art still celebrates the beasts. As it should.
Donkeys have actually played a important role here over the centuries. Ceramic art still celebrates the beasts. As it should.
0 2023/12/13 16:26:45
That was the land where one wakes to cock crows.
That was the land where one wakes to cock crows.
0 2023/12/13 16:25:51
Vettica Maggiore ('bursting bladders') had a donkey team transporting construction materials down to some reno site. It also had one of those 'only in Italy' marvels: someone had placed a fully set dinner table out onto a rooftop there. Outstanding! *Be sure to also check out the vista from its S. Gennaro church square, with Positano across the bay and Mt. Lattari Mountains national park just above.
Vettica Maggiore ('bursting bladders') had a donkey team transporting construction materials down to some reno site. It also had one of those 'only in Italy' marvels: someone had placed a fully set dinner table out onto a rooftop there. Outstanding! *Be sure to also check out the vista from its S. Gennaro church square, with Positano across the bay and Mt. Lattari Mountains national park just above.
0 2023/12/13 16:09:29
Near Furore, with the Tyrrhenian Sea beyond. The outskirts of this village are some of the most winding local roads---good idea to take some Dramamine/Gravol pills ahead of time. Queasy stomachs can occur here.
Near Furore, with the Tyrrhenian Sea beyond. The outskirts of this village are some of the most winding local roads---good idea to take some Dramamine/Gravol pills ahead of time. Queasy stomachs can occur here.
0 2023/12/13 16:07:00
Advertising | Cookie Policy | Privacy Statement | Terms of Service | Manage Preferences - Your Privacy Choices