15 or so years ago, Tom O’Reilly and an old girlfriend Euro-railed and back-packed around Europe for several weeks. Tom doesn’t talk about it much these days, but when he does the Amalfi Coast emerges as a highlight … always … small wonder!

We anchored off Amalfi on a picture perfect morning …

I rushed Jan to the first tender. I wanted to be sure we could get a taxi along the famous road to Positano before the legendary traffic built up … just for the sake of doing it. We found Arturo.

He ripped me off fabulously at about $10 per km, but it was FUN …

We drove like only an Italian can … hair-raising!! These still pictures give NO IDEA of speed and risk … around curves … speed … passing slower cars … playing chicken with the odd bus …

We were to get cash from an ATM on the way … we suddenly stop in the middle of the road (about 1.5 cars wide at this point … “get out here” “be quick” “get the cash” … oh no!!! … the ATM is out of order (or cash I suspect)!! … problem, drive on, problem … “let’s stop at this ceramics factory” … we’ll bullshit our way into getting cash on a Visa card from there … lots of rapid Italian and arm waving … the proprietor finally reluctantly agrees … cash in hand we’re off again. Positano is in sight.

Jan was in the back. She just made it. Needed this pole to hold her up after we got out.

And a coffee to calm her nerves. The “exhilaration” had been almost too much …

The long slow walk down to the bottom of town was just gorgeous.

Past more beautiful cafes and hotels …

… and shops to die for …

The town was buzzing. Aussie accents all over the place!

We snacked on fresh truss tomatoes … Yum!!

Then we caught the public ferry, farewelled Positano, and back along the coast to Amalfi.

What a beautiful ride. Past villages, hotels and little farms clinging to the steep cliffs.

And so to Amalfi …

In Amalfi it was time for pizza and beer.

Then a visit to the amazing old cathedral.

And, of course, the main shopping street.

Then on the back of the ship, we pulled away, after a real highlight of the trip …