The weather forecast for today was perfect for a day trip to Amalfi – warm, sunny, no humidity. A mere 40 minutes by traghetto (ferry) and eight euros are required for this brief escape to one of the iconic towns on the Amalfi coast. 
Although it is October 22, it still looks like peak tourist season judging by the crowds of humans filling the streets, restaurants, and shops.
The main site is the Duomo of Saint Andrew, originally built on the ruins of a temple in the 9th and 10th centuries, the present cloister dates from the 13th century 
and parts of the Duomo were rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. The remains of the apostle St. Andrew were brought here from Constantinople in 1206 and are housed in the elaborate crypt under the church.
After visiting the Duomo complex, I wandered the streets and did a little window shopping. If one ventures off the main street the true face of Amalfi emerges.
Before returning to Salerno, I decided to treat myself to an overpriced lunch at a waterfront restaurant. The food was delicious (insalata caprese and linguini with calamari) and the ambience was worth the 35 euros!
On the return trip to Salerno, the clouds started rolling in and by the time the boat docked, the skies were overcast and the temperature had dropped about 10 degrees Fahrenheit. But this did not deter the Salernitani who were dressed in their finest and were strolling the lungomare. There was even a puppet show to entertain the children.
After such a substantial (and substantially expensive) lunch, tonight’s dinner will consist of a gelato (sorry, I’m addicted!) and most likely a yogurt.
Tomorrow starts week 3 of my four-week sojourn, in anticipation of a new teacher and new classmates and cooler rainy weather!
Camino Musings 