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Ciao Amalfi

Amalfi Coast, Mia vita, Positano · February 27, 2009

Where were you two years ago today?

Two years ago today I visited the Amalfi Coast for the first time. It was a glorious late February day, the sun was shining and the water was more shades of blue than imaginable. The beauty of this place hit me hard. Now I am reminded of John Steinback’s description Positano back in 1953:

“Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.”

Remembering that first day on the Amalfi Coast, I went back and looked through my photos from two years ago. I love how the camera stops time, how it freezes moments that we can go back and relish again. Here are some moments I will never forget . . .

The overlook above Positano

The mountains above Positano

The first time I saw Positano

Looking toward Amalfi

I would love to hear memories, stories or thoughts about your first visit to the Amalfi Coast!

Posted In: Amalfi Coast, Mia vita, Positano

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Comments

  1. Chef Chuck says

    February 28, 2009 at 06:57

    Ciao Laura What a day that must have been!! The weather was a welcoming sign for you to stay and enjoy ..
    I had some great feelings when I first arrived in Amalfi with my family heritage that was seven years ago. I had an instant feeling of belonging! The warmth of the people,I was struck by the different emotions streaming through my body. I also enjoyed my surroundings which made me feel like I was at home away from home! I have been back of coarse and every time the adventure gets better and better!!
    Chuck

    Reply
  2. Annika says

    February 28, 2009 at 11:23

    Two years ago today was exactly two months before my husband and I had a romantic 6th wedding anniversary dinner at Chez Black… it was our first time on the Amalfi coast, we were staying with Nicki in Positano and I had finally gotten to visit the Amalfi I had dreamt of for years only to find that it was everything I had imagined it to be and more.
    It was the end of April 2007 and I think I was in shock the whole four days we spent in Pos.

    Reply
  3. Laura says

    February 28, 2009 at 23:40

    Ciao Chuck! Thanks for sharing about your first visit to Amalfi. I agree about the warmth of the people in Amalfi! I have always felt very welcomed there. You described very much how I felt when I first set foot in Amalfi. It must have been extra special for you given your family heritage…It is your home away from home!

    Ciao Annika! I love your story about your first visit to the Amalfi Coast. Thanks for sharing! What a wonderful way to spend your 6th wedding anniversary. I hope you can return soon! Sometimes I think I am still in shock… 🙂

    Reply
  4. ladylitigator says

    March 1, 2009 at 00:52

    Ciao Laura.
    Oggi, durante pranzo con mia mama, Io pensando che un anno fa io visitato Amalfi per primo volta.

    Io senza parole.

    Now I must write in the only language I know well enough to put that memory into words.

    It was spring one year ago. It had rained for what seemed like 40 days and nights in Rome and we were driving south to Sorrento. As we hit the coast, somewhere around Vico Equense, the sun peaked through the clouds and all was right with the world.

    Amalfi has water so blue, it is as if the sky and water are one and you don’t know where one starts and the other begins. The wild wysteria that grows everywhere frames each panorama more beautiful than the next. AS for the people, what can you say? I left a piece of my heart there and return now as often as possible. You are so lucky to have made the switch there, Laura.

    Reply
  5. Anait says

    March 1, 2009 at 01:44

    I had read about Postiano for months and months beforehand, but i went there for the first (but certainly not the last!) time last June. Steinbeck’s quote sums up my feelings exactly…although now, a year later, Positano still feels ike a dream…

    Reply
  6. Leanne in Italy says

    March 1, 2009 at 07:36

    My first time on the Amalfi coast was 5 years ago when I was living in London and my twin sister and I flew over to meet a visiting aunt in Positano for a holiday. We went to Ravello, Amalfi, Capri and loved it. I have since been back about 3 times to that area…and shall be living there in about 1 month!
    See you on there!

    Reply
  7. Laura says

    March 1, 2009 at 17:10

    Ciao Lisa! Thank you for sharing the beautiful memories of your first visit to the Amalfi Coast. This is a lovely description… “Amalfi has water so blue, it is as if the sky and water are one and you don’t know where one starts and the other begins.” That captures the beauty so well! I love the wisteria here, too. It is one of my favorite parts of spring! I will post some photos for you when it starts to bloom. I know how it feels to leave a piece of your heart here, which is why I have made the move. 🙂 I hope you can make it back to Amalfi soon!

    Ciao Leanne! Thanks for sharing your memories about visiting the Amalfi Coast. Wow, you will be in Sorrento in one month?! Yes, I will be seeing you here soon then. Safe travels until you land here!

    Reply
  8. Scintilla @ Bell'Avventura says

    March 1, 2009 at 18:35

    I first came to Positano twenty – four years ago. I remember leaving and thinking that life would only be worth living if I could go back. Little did I know where destiny would be taking me! Each time I arrive, I have to go straight outside and drink in that sea view! I have never become sick of it…

    Reply
  9. Laura says

    March 2, 2009 at 15:48

    Ciao Anait! Thanks for sharing about your first visit to Positano. Keep dreaming… and I hope you can return to Positano soon!

    Ciao Scintilla! Your comment reminded me of my mother, who has been dreaming of Positano since she was a young girl. She had the same feeling — that life would only be worth living if she could go back — when she first visited three years ago. Some dreams last a lifetime, and when you are where you are supposed to be it is certainly hard to get tired of it. It is inspiring to hear your story. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply

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My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

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