We took the train from Rome to Napoli and this was one of highlights of the entire trip for Tony because most of the trip we were travelling at or above 300 kph. The Italian super-fast train is called the Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) and is so smooth and comfortable people can often doze off on the way. It didn't even ripple our complimentary glass of juice it was so smooth. The trip takes 70 minutes and it is on the dot.
After wading through the pickpockets and other "helpful" people at Napoli Centrale, the next train was a little different for the run from Naples to Sorrento. The Circumvesuviana is a diseased old beast that resembles an old suburban train wreck. It is thick with graffiti and rattles and clatters through about 30 stations on the way. Air conditioning is non existent and remarkably the trip takes 70 minutes, the same as from Rome to Naples. It seemed a hell of a lot longer though. Colour is also provided by some sort of on-board buskers who play music or do turns and then hustle the travellers for some money. It was stifling hot, crowded with people all talking different languages and quite an experience.
We poured off the train dripping with perspiration and sought out the nearest Gelati shop and then our hotel. The room wasn't ready yet so we cooled off with a couple of Gin and Tonics while we waited. Actually with the heat and thirst and on an empty stomach G&T's were probably not such a good idea. Jackie and I were actively engaged in particularly difficult level of Angry Birds when the receptionist came and told us the room was ready.
A quick shower and freshen up and we had a look around Sorrento. It is actually quite a small place with narrow cobbled streets full of small and interesting shops. Being set on a cliff dropping straight into the Mediterranean sea the views are breathtaking. The very imposing presence of Mt Vesuvius can be clearly seen across the bay.
Tomorrow we will be tackling the Amalfi Coast.
Click here for pictures of Sorrento.
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