27th Aug - Salerno, Mauri, then to San Marco
Ado set off today to go the mechanic that was recommended to us last night in the restaruant. He had to get his drive chain replaced. Myself and Glen had a stroll around salerno harbour while Ado was getting this done.
A lot of the locals hang around the harbour in their speedos and talk, swim, sunbathe and just spend time together. Again they weren't used to seeing pale white skinned foreigners walking around with them, but they didn't pay us much attention. It was interesting to see how the Italians speak to each other. They are all very loud, they emphasise everything they say with their hands and arms, and even though we can't understand them, it seems each time one speaks to the other they are delivering the most important speech of their lives.
We hooked up with ado back at the bike shop at 11am. There was a bit of haggling with the bike shop owner who was trying to rip off ado, but ado haggled him down a bit. But I still think he was given the tourist rate :) Not to worry though, he did a good job on the chain and Ado was chuffed with it.
We saddled up our horses and filled up with water and headed back towards Amalfi on the coast road. This was unbelievable. So Scenic, and amazing to drive on a bike. It was very difficult to try take in the scenery on the bike as there was not a piece of straight road more then 10 feet long and it really required a lot of concentration just keep on the road and avoid the tourist buses coming the opposite way. I was impressed with Glens ability on the bike. I had forgotten that before this holiday Glen was an absolute motorbike beginner and here he was expertly driving what we'd later find out was the most dangerous stretch of road in all Europe. We got to Maoiri a few kilometres before Amalfi and pulled in and had a dip in the ocean. This was great. After this we had to head to the Hermitage hotel. This was still another 50 or so miles of bad winding roads. So we had an interesting time getting there. It was very difficult finding the correct town, and then the hotel and a few wrong turns were taken. We finally found the hotel at about 6 o'clock and we were met by Plum, Heffo, Phil, Mick and the rest of the lads who had already arrived. Surrounded by all the lads (who I hadn't gotten to know yet) I had an embarrassing moment where I almost dropped the bike on the hill. Thankfully Plum was on the ball, saw what was about to happen and caught the bike. I was introduced to Claire, Derek and everyone else who made me feel very welcome. We all had a great night with a meal, drinks and sang late into the night. Everyone was in great form.
So far Italy has been the climax. The people, scenery, towns and the experience has just been amazing.
A lot of the locals hang around the harbour in their speedos and talk, swim, sunbathe and just spend time together. Again they weren't used to seeing pale white skinned foreigners walking around with them, but they didn't pay us much attention. It was interesting to see how the Italians speak to each other. They are all very loud, they emphasise everything they say with their hands and arms, and even though we can't understand them, it seems each time one speaks to the other they are delivering the most important speech of their lives.
We hooked up with ado back at the bike shop at 11am. There was a bit of haggling with the bike shop owner who was trying to rip off ado, but ado haggled him down a bit. But I still think he was given the tourist rate :) Not to worry though, he did a good job on the chain and Ado was chuffed with it.
We saddled up our horses and filled up with water and headed back towards Amalfi on the coast road. This was unbelievable. So Scenic, and amazing to drive on a bike. It was very difficult to try take in the scenery on the bike as there was not a piece of straight road more then 10 feet long and it really required a lot of concentration just keep on the road and avoid the tourist buses coming the opposite way. I was impressed with Glens ability on the bike. I had forgotten that before this holiday Glen was an absolute motorbike beginner and here he was expertly driving what we'd later find out was the most dangerous stretch of road in all Europe. We got to Maoiri a few kilometres before Amalfi and pulled in and had a dip in the ocean. This was great. After this we had to head to the Hermitage hotel. This was still another 50 or so miles of bad winding roads. So we had an interesting time getting there. It was very difficult finding the correct town, and then the hotel and a few wrong turns were taken. We finally found the hotel at about 6 o'clock and we were met by Plum, Heffo, Phil, Mick and the rest of the lads who had already arrived. Surrounded by all the lads (who I hadn't gotten to know yet) I had an embarrassing moment where I almost dropped the bike on the hill. Thankfully Plum was on the ball, saw what was about to happen and caught the bike. I was introduced to Claire, Derek and everyone else who made me feel very welcome. We all had a great night with a meal, drinks and sang late into the night. Everyone was in great form.
So far Italy has been the climax. The people, scenery, towns and the experience has just been amazing.
