Rome to Amalfi

We had watched most of the famous sites of Rome on our first day. So we decided to visit Amalfi on the second day as recommended by one of our friends and we are entirely thankful to him for suggesting us this amazing place, far from the crowds of Rome.

There are a number of options to reach Amalfi from Rome, but we took the bus. From Rome we took a Flixbus till Salerno, which took almost 4 hours. From Salerno you can find cheap public buses to Amalfi which take around 2 hours. Here is a link from where you can check schedules of these buses and plan your trip accordingly. You can also check the price of tickets.

So if you like sea, sand and sun along with the mountains as a bonus, pack your bags and leave for Amalfi. It’s not as famous as some other sites if Italy, but I guarantee it won’t disappoint you.

Unfortunately when we reached Salerno it started raining. But it was one of the most beautiful rains I have witnessed as the sun was also there to do its part. Droplets of rain had become even more beautiful in the sun shine. I don’t consider myself very religious but I like to ask God for things. I once read that prayers are accepted when it’s raining specially when there is sunshine as well. Also in another place I read that when God is happy, He sends down rain. So I kind of believe it and like rain. That day I prayed to God for a better weather, like please no more rain for a while. And yes it was answered. Salerno reminded of Mediterranean, of Antalya (the city I live in Turkey) and there was a crowd of memories which rushed to my brain. I remember that day was also the birthday of my big brother like friend who was my family away from home when I was in Antalya. (My home is in Pakistan)

I slept almost all the way from Salerno to Amalfi, I suppose I must have missed some charming scenes but I knew I had to come back the same way.

I fell in love with Amalfi as soon as I stepped out of the bus. Stretching my arms and yawning trying to get all my energy restored. I felt free like a bird there; it definitely was an influence of my surroundings. How they describe this universal phenomenon. Oh yes, Pandiculation!

We went closer to the sea, captured a lot of photos and once during an attempt towards capturing a nice photo, I was attacked by the cold waves, which left all my shoes wet and what’s more, they were not water proof. I made sure to keep long distance with the sea from then onwards.

We then walked around in Piazza del Duomo. It was full of tourists. There were a lot of restaurants, bars and some stalls serving fresh juices and ice creams. Also they had very different clothes there.

We also visited the 9thCentury Roman Catholic Cathedral, Amalfi Cathedral. You have to climb some stairs but it would be worth it.

We stayed there for a few hours and then took our bus back to Salerno. This time I made sure not to sleep but enjoy the scenery. However the windows had wide patches of frit which ruined my enjoyment on most, if not all occasions.

We were really hungry once we reached Salerno; we found an Asian restaurant and walked some 20 minutes to reach there just to find out that it was closed. But it proved to be fortunate because we went to another place nearby where we tasted some traditional bread with tomato sauce. The Old Italian owner there was very kind, hospitable and served us some sweet bread with a thin layer of honey or some kind of jam. I am not an expert when it comes to the ingredients that are used in food, but I can tell that it was delicious whatever it was.

We then came back to Rome, had a proper dinner and waited for our next bus to Milan.

And here is some other information I would like to share. In my earlier blog, it might have appeared that I was complaining for not being granted a visa to Italy. Well I was kind of, but after spending two days in Rome, and observing all the immigrants there, I feel like I don’t have all the right to complain. Because I had seen so many South Asians many of whom were working illegally there. This situation might have forced the authorities to have strict regulations for people from these countries. Still, I found Italian people very friendly and hospitable. Even my flatmate here in Poland is Italian and is one of the best people inside and out, I have ever met and lived with.

However, I also know so many students who are properly enrolled in well renowned universities in Italy and they are in one way or the other serving both Italy and Pakistan to the best of their capabilities.

Photo gallery