The thing with steep hills and lots of steps is that you just have to stop sometimes for a rest. Last Thursday, a cool and dry wind blowing down from the mountains had cleared away any trace of humidity left in the air from the rainy days before and turned the sea into an intense shade of azure blue. After a busy day, I was tired and I had a long walk ahead of me. It was early evening and the sun was shining on the stretch of the coastline that you see looking toward Salerno. It was absolutely gorgeous and peaceful. While Ravello’s central piazza can get a bit crowded with groups during the busy season, you don’t have to go far at all to find utter tranquility. And some mighty fine views!
Above you can see the town of Maiori just down the coast from Ravello. If you know where to look, you can even spot the bright yellow majolica tiled dome of the Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare in Maiori. Do you see it?
Just below Ravello, on the slopes down to Minori and the sea, there are some beautiful hamlets to explore. Above you can see the hamlet of Torello, with its beautiful Church of San Michele Arcangelo. As I stopped for a moment to rest, the church bells started to ring out insistently. A few birds nearby added their song to the sounds filling the valley.
It’s moments like these that I crave lately, and that I hold on to for the precious little gifts that they are. Life moves so fast sometimes, and there is always too much to do. But when the bells clang and the birds sing, it’s time to stop, listen and simply enjoy the view. Beauty like this is invigorating!
Beautiful pictures and the video is incredible! The sounds of the birds chirping along with the ringing bells all so nice and clear!!!!
Ciao Gil! So happy you enjoyed the photos and video. I love that my new camera picks up the audio better … the birds really were chirping that loudly!
Wonderful, evocative and captivating. I must walk those steps and experience this myself. Thanks.
Ciao Daniel! I do hope you can enjoy a peaceful walk through Ravello soon!
I do, I do, I *do* see it! Beautiful photos, Laura … makes me hopeful that equally tranquil weather is heading this way!
Ciao Cherrye! You have a good eye. 🙂 Hope the beautiful weather made it down your way! 🙂
Oh how lucky you are to live in Paradise – and to have the wisdom to know it!
Ciao Linda! Even in paradise you have to remember to slow down and enjoy it sometimes, too! 🙂
Ciao Laura, I really enjoyed the sounds of the bells and the birds together. Thanks for sharing….
So happy you enjoyed, Patty! 🙂