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By Laura Thayer, on February 15th, 2014
 Glorious sunshine in Amalfi There’s nothing quite like when the sun comes out in February after a rainy spell. There’s the warmth of the sunshine to dry everything out, but also that sense of spring on its way. It’s hopeful, warm and irresistible. And not just for the Amalfitani! We took an afternoon stroll in Amalfi this afternoon and had fun spotting all the people out enjoying the sunshine – tourists, locals, fishermen and kids playing soccer on the waterfront promenade.
 Sunshine and shadows while out walking in Amalfi When the sun shines the best way to enjoy it in Amalfi is with a walk overlooking the beach and along the harbor. The water was temptingly blue, but still quite cold.
 Playing in the cold mountain stream water Yet there were people wading along the water’s edge with their winter pants all rolled up. A few people were out on kayaks, too.
 Testing to see how cold the sea feels But the really smart people had claimed a spot on the Marina Grande beach and were soaking up the sun. It was strange being dressed in winter clothes looking down on a scene from the summer!
 Early sunbathers on Marina Grande beach There were more people in Amalfi than in past weeks, perhaps couples taking advantage of the lovely weather for a romantic Valentine’s weekend trip to Amalfi. You’d have to know where to look, but the first signs of the coming busy season are starting to pop up here and there around town.
 Conversations on the beach The sunshine on the steps of the Duomo had attracted a nice crowd of more urban sunbathers. It’s a good spot!
 On the steps in Piazza Duomo We’re a little starved for sunshine here, but that’s mostly because we’re so spoiled the rest of the year. But once February arrives … spring is around the corner!
By Laura, on February 14th, 2014
 Sweet words in chocolate at the Pasticceria Pansa in Amalfi Love is in the air … and not just for Valentine’s Day today. It’s sunny and beautiful on the Amalfi Coast! This morning I snapped this shot of the chocolate on display and the buildings of Amalfi reflected in the curved glass windows of the Pasticceria Andrea Pansa in Piazza Duomo. The white chocolate bar says, “Ti amo,” which means, “I love you.” How’s that for something sweet for your sweetheart? Wishing everyone a day full of love … Buon San Valentino!
By Laura Thayer, on February 10th, 2014
 Watching the waves crash in Amalfi There was a little break in the bad weather, but it came back in a dramatic way this weekend! The rain and wind storm Sunday morning is up there in the top 10 bad storms I’ve seen since moving to the Amalfi Coast. This was one of those close-the-shutters-put-on-the-red-sparkly-shoes-and-hope-the-house-doesn’t-blow-away sort of storms. Just before we went out to join friends for lunch the sky cleared and we made a mad dash to the car. Well, as madly as one can dash up steps while wearing Hunter rain boots. (Note: Don’t try that at home kids.)
 These are the days made for rain boots! The sky was blue but the sea was angry, sending in big waves crashing against Amalfi. Always a striking view! It was a strange mix to see blue skies and big waves together. Part of the parking area along the port was closed for, well, obvious reasons. You wouldn’t have wanted to park there yesterday!
 Not where you’d want to have parked yesterday After lunch, while we walked along the port, the sea had already calmed down and the afternoon was clear and calm. What a difference a few hours can make!
By Laura Thayer, on February 7th, 2014
 Waiting for the sun It has been raining on the Amalfi Coast and throughout much of Italy. A lot. This is the rainy time of year, but one does tend to miss the sun after awhile. Earlier this week I looked out the bedroom window to this view of a rain storm passing by at sea. Just after the storm the horizon was clear with a little touch of pink from the sunset. Nature is so massively beautiful that it’s hard to miss the sun too much with spectacular shows like this. Wishing you a sunny weekend!
See past Foto Friday entries here.
By Laura Thayer, on February 5th, 2014
 Ever wonder how Capo d'Orso between Maiori and Erchie got its name? Let's ask this fellow. Just between Maiori and the little village of Erchie the Amalfi coastline juts out into the sea and comes to a cape called Capo d’Orso. The means Cape of the Bear. I’ve been told that there haven’t ever really been bears around this part of Italy. Instead, the name seems to have come from a unique rock formation that looks like the head of a bear looking down the coastline in the direction of Amalfi. While I’ve seen it many a time coming around one of the curves in the Amalfi Coast Road, I’ve never managed to get a photo of it. Recently, on the way back from a shopping trip to Salerno, I asked my husband to stop so I could take some photos. One of the advantages of the winter … less traffic! I finally got a closer look at this so called bear at Capo d’Orso.
 Finally capturing a photo of the bear of Capo d'Orso Usually it’s the view from Capo d’Orso that would be described as breathtaking. As I walked around the curve to take a few photos I was very nearly knocked over by the wind. It quite literally took my breath away! After I braced myself and took the photo below, I got into the car gasping a bit. I didn’t feel back to normal until we reached Minori!
 A breathtakingly windy view from Capo d'Orso toward Amalfi While the cold wind was a bit intense to stop for long to see the view, it did bring with it a beautiful and strange blue that the sea turns when the north wind blows. I was happy to enjoy the colors from inside the car the rest of the way home! I’ve been asking around trying to find out about how long this cape has been called Capo d’Orso. I suspect it might be as recent as when the Amalfi Coast Road was built before 1850 since the bear isn’t clearly visible from the sea. I’ll report back if I find out more!
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