SUMMERTIME DOLCE VITA 2021 -PT.2

NO TIME FOR RESIDUAL JETLAG

Saturday, June 26:  As I fought off residual jetlag, I soon thought, “oh no, it’s my last full day on the Amalfi Coast!” In hindsight, I should have accompanied Kevin on his early morning walk around town, but instead ventured next door to Latteria with my iPad to have a coffee and read the news. The owners Lucia and her daughter Isabella were super friendly and talkative, which gave me the chance to learn about their conversion of an attached villa into a small hotel / B&B. I cannot wait to stay there once the work concludes, especially now that I know about some of the challenges they have overcome!

My departure from Latteria was prompted by the realization that I needed to transfer to a different hotel, Albergo Punta Regina, for the remainder of my stay. As I am blessed with the ability to pack quickly, I relocated to this other property and waited for Kevin to complete the same process. This downtime enabled me to conduct a test video recording for the next Kyle’s Take at the hotel’s rooftop cafe (aperol spritz in hand), arrange for a pre-departure COVID test, and confirm my flight arrangements to France and the US.

Feeling accomplished, I decided to step aboard a water taxi to Gavitella Beach for the second consecutive day. The scene was even more festive than the first trip, so it didn’t take long for a huge smile to spread across my face. Oh, and then I ran into “Alfonso Nero” who always seems to magically appear (and disappear) when I am there!

As it seems to be impossible for me to resist Café Mirante’s charm, I again succumbed to its tractor beam and soon found myself chatting with Ciro while sipping a cocktail called Time for Thyme. The atmosphere was magical to say the least, especially given the convivial nature of the conversation with him and the other bartenders / servers.

Ciro recommended a delicious, nearby pizza spot to Kevin and me called Che Bonta, which definitely hit the spot. In fact, we polished off a large Margherita pie on the side of the road while awaiting our beloved golf cart. Good thing we were patient because this second ride was even better than the first, as fireworks exploded off the shore of Positano in celebration of a local holiday!

The final stop of the evening was Tre Sorelle Wine room. Luigi even showed up to recommend a few varietals after closing his restaurant down at the beach. His collection of wines is impressive…I could close my eyes, point anywhere in the room, and guarantee that I would be satisfied with my selection!

WONDERFUL MEMORIES TO TAKE AWAY

Sunday, June 27:  “No, I don’t want to leave!” During my many trips to the Amalfi Coast, these words always come to mind upon opening my eyes on the last day. This sentiment this time was no different, if not even more pronounced. Unfortunately, I had some last-minute errands to run before recording a Kyle’s Take segment and meeting Cristiano for my 3:45pm ride to the Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli.

Over the ensuing four hours, I earned AMEX points at various clothing boutiques in Positano, said a quick round of goodbyes, and set up my equipment at the Punta Regina rooftop café (the aperol was again flowing…). With only 45 minutes to conduct the recording, disassemble my equipment, and haul my bags out to the curb, I concentrated on the episode’s outline while trying to retain a somewhat conversational tone. Despite a few small setbacks, I managed to wrap everything up successfully and leave Positano with plenty of time to catch my flight to Paris. While I will miss this place, I am thrilled to take away so many wonderful memories…many of the fondest ones with Alberto and Enza at Petrea Lifestyle Suites!