Trips With James Europe

11 Things to DO in Paris, the City of Light

The Romantic City of Light is calling you! Pack your bags! Let’s go.

Paris, the City of Light, is a romantic symphony of history, art, and culture. From its iconic landmarks to its hidden gems, the city offers a myriad of enchanting attractions that capture the hearts and imaginations of millions of visitors each year. Here are the eleven best attractions in Paris that you simply cannot miss, each offering a unique way to experience the diverse and vibrant style and culture of this magnificent city:

1. **Eiffel Tower**

The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly the most recognizable symbol of Paris. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889, this iron lattice tower stands at 324 meters tall. Visitors can take an elevator ride to the top for breathtaking views of the city. The tower is especially magical at night when it sparkles with thousands of lights.

2. **The Louvre**

The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. The Louvre is vast, with over 35,000 works of art spread across 60,600 square meters. However, most visitors spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring the highlights, such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The Louvre is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The museum’s glass pyramid entrance is an architectural marvel in itself. To fully appreciate its vast collection, consider dedicating a full day or even multiple visits.

** Sidebar** If you are a fan of the movie “The Da Vinci Code” you will remember the whole adventure starts at the Louvre. You can find tours that follow in the footsteps of Robert Langdon from Dan Brown’s famous novel. These tours typically include visits to key locations such as the Louvre Museum, Saint-Sulpice Church, and the Ritz Hotel. The tours blend fiction with reality, providing a unique perspective on Paris’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a fan of the book or simply curious about the city’s hidden secrets, these tours offer an unforgettable experience

3. **Notre Dame Cathedral**

Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, has stood on the Île de la Cité for over 850 years. Despite the devastating fire in Apil 2019, the cathedral remains a symbol of Parisian resilience and beauty. Visitors can admire its stunning façade, intricate stained glass windows, and the famous gargoyles.

The restoration of the Cathedral has been a monumental effort. Over the past five years, hundreds of experts and craftsmen have worked tirelessly to restore this iconic landmark. The project involved meticulous cleaning and repairing of the stone walls, stained glass windows, and the famous spire, which has been faithfully reconstructed. The interior has been transformed, with every detail polished to perfection. The cathedral is set to reopen on December 7th, 2024, symbolizing resilience and the dedication of those who cherish this iconic landmark.

4. **Walking Along the Seine**

A stroll along the Seine River offers a unique perspective of Paris. The riverbanks are lined with historic buildings, charming cafés, and iconic bridges like Pont Neuf and Pont Alexandre III. Walking along the Seine, especially at sunset, provides a serene and picturesque experience that captures the essence of Parisian life. And a plus is that walking is free! Unless you stop for a coffee, glass of wine, or snack at one the many small cafes that line both sides of the river.

5. **Palace of Versailles**

Located just outside Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. The opulent palace, with its Hall of Mirrors, lavish gardens, and the Grand Trianon, offers a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of French royalty. A visit to Versailles is a journey back in time to the days of Louis XIV.

The best way to travel to Versailles from Paris is by train. The RER C train line takes you directly to the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, which is just a short walk from the palace. The journey takes about 45 minutes. This option is convenient and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for visitors. It is highly recommended to make reservations before visiting the Palace of Versailles. This helps you avoid long queues and ensures you have a spot, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can book tickets online in advance for the palace, the gardens, and the Trianon Palaces. Guided tours are also available and can be reserved ahead of time

6. **Arc de Triomphe**

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Visitors can climb to the top for a panoramic view of Paris, including the twelve avenues radiating from the arch.

***And while you are on the Champs-Elysees, you should go window-shopping –

7. **Shopping on the Champs-Élysées**

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in the world, known for its luxury shops, theaters, and cafés. From high-end fashion boutiques to flagship stores, shopping on the Champs-Élysées is a quintessential Parisian experience. Featuring some of the most luxurious and high-end stores in Paris, here are a few notable ones:

Louis Vuitton: Known for its iconic leather goods and fashion.
Cartier: Renowned for its exquisite jewelry and watches.
Chanel: Offers high fashion, accessories, and beauty products.
Dior: Famous for its couture, fragrances, and accessories.
Gucci: A staple for luxury fashion and accessories.
Tiffany & Co.: Known for its stunning jewelry.
Sephora: A massive store offering a wide range of beauty products.
Lacoste: Offers stylish clothing and accessories.
Zara: Provides trendy fashion at more accessible prices2

The avenue is also home to the annual Bastille Day military parade and the finish line of the Tour de France.

8. **Sacré-Cœur Basilica**

Perched atop Montmartre hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers stunning views of Paris. The basilica’s white domes and Roman-Byzantine architecture make it a striking landmark. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful mosaics and the serene atmosphere of this sacred place.

At night, the steps of Sacré-Cœur Basilica come alive with people gathering to enjoy music, socialize, and drink wine. Street performers entertain the crowd, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to relax and soak in the city’s charm.

9. **Centre Pompidou**

The Centre Pompidou is a modern art museum and cultural center known for its unique architectural design. The building’s exposed pipes and colorful exterior make it a standout in the Parisian landscape. Inside, visitors can explore a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as enjoy performances and exhibitions.

10. **National Museum of Natural History**

The National Museum of Natural History in Paris is a fascinating destination for science and nature enthusiasts. The museum’s Grande Galerie de l’Évolution showcases a stunning display of animal specimens, while the Jardin des Plantes offers beautiful gardens and a zoo. The museum’s diverse exhibits provide an educational and enjoyable experience for all ages.

11. **Bistro Culture**

Bistro culture in Paris is a quintessential part of the city’s charm and daily life. Bistros are small, casual eateries that offer a cozy and intimate atmosphere. They typically serve simple, hearty meals like steak frites, coq au vin, and croque monsieur, often accompanied by a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. Parisians frequent bistros for their affordability and the sense of community they foster. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a romantic dinner, or a late-night snack, bistros provide a welcoming space for people to gather, enjoy good food, and soak in the local culture and vibrant street life.

These 11 attractions offer a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and beauty of Paris. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or simply looking to soak in the city’s charm, Paris has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of the City of Light!

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THREE DAYS IN HAMBURG & OTHER STORIES By James Carey.

On Sale at AMAZON and KINDLE.

FIVE STARS ***** “The central three story arc is and emotionally raw and vulnerable portrait of a divorce, with an intriguing blend of memoir and travelogue. The other stories run the gamut creatively, with a carefully constructed ballast between drama and comedy.” CRAIG JENSEN, PLAYWRIGHT.

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A Horrible Trip Home with JetBlue – A Complaint

A 23 hour flight from London to Atlanta that was suppose to take 4.5 hours.

I could start by saying that all the JetBlue employees I encountered were helpful and courteous, but they were hampered by ridiculous corporate rules, making my trip extremely painful.

I recently booked a one-way trip to London because I had an open ended trip and did not know my return date. A few days before heading back home, I booked a return flight from London to New York on JetBlue, continuing to Atlanta, also on JetBlue. My flight was supposed to leave Heathrow Terminal 2 at 7:45 AM. I got up at 4:00 AM to catch the shuttle from my Radisson Blu hotel, 15 minutes away from Heathrow.

My problems started early. The hotel had several shuttle companies, but the screens in the lobby only offered Uber rides. I mistakenly bought an Uber ticket, thinking it was for the shuttle. When the shuttle arrived, the driver refused my ticket. After some confusion, I finally got an Uber ride to Terminal 2.

On the way, I received a text from JetBlue informing me that my flight was delayed to 9:45 AM. At the check-in desk, I was told it was further delayed to 10:25 AM due to mechanical problems. I was in line with a young Palestinian man. We both happened to be traveling to Atlanta. The head desk person suggested a flight to Boston at 8:15 AM, but we may have to wait six hours for a connecting flight to Atlanta. She couldn’t book us on another airline, so we had to decide quickly. We both chose the Boston flight, knowing we’d lose any delay compensation.

We landed in Boston at 12:15 PM, cleared customs, and went to the JetBlue help desk hoping that would put us on an earlier flight. They would not put us on another airline’s flight, only a JetBlue flight. Yet, they did not have another one till 6 hours later. As compensation, they gave us $24 each in food vouchers, but most places at Logan didn’t accept them. We ended up eating at Wahlburgers. The vouchers did not even cover the cost of the airport food.

While we sat and ate, the young Palestinian man shared his experiences growing up in Gaza and the impact of the war on his family. It was a sobering conversation.

Finally, we boarded our flight to Atlanta. We landed 20 minutes early, but JetBlue didn’t have a dedicated gate. They share one with another airline, and that airline had a plane at the gate. So we waited 40 minutes on the tarmac before deplaning. By the time I got home, it was 10:30 PM, and I had been traveling for 23 hours.

A hand holds a travel sign above a globe and suitcase, symbolizing wanderlust.

The flights were fine, and the service was okay, but having to wait for six hours because of some ridiculous rule when they could have connected us with any number of flights that left Boston and went to Atlanta. Maybe that is now a standard rule for airlines not to book you on another airline, but it made my day interminable. Plus the fact that there was no compensation except some vouchers which did not even cover the cost of the food, and the 40-minute wait on the tarmac just convinced me that I will never fly JetBlue again unless I absolutely have no other choice.

The Amazing Free Tate Modern Museum in London

One of my favorite places to visit in London is to go to the Tate Modern, one of the world’s leading modern art galleries, housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the south bank of the River Thames.

One of my favorite places to visit in London, which I have visited several times, is the free Tate Modern, one of the world’s leading modern art galleries, housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the south bank of the River Thames. Since its opening in 2000, it has become a cultural landmark in London, attracting millions of visitors yearly. I highly recommend you check it out for its outstanding collection of historical and contemporary art, and for the astonishing and dramatic building which is a work of art itself.

The Tate Modern is a remarkable example of adaptive reuse, transforming the former Bankside Power Station into a world-renowned museum of modern and contemporary art. The building’s architecture is a blend of industrial heritage and contemporary design, making it a unique cultural landmark.

The dramatic entranceway to the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall

The original Bankside Power Station was constructed in two phases between 1947 and 1963, the power station featured a steel frame clad in brick, with a substantial central chimney standing 99 meters tall. The building was decommissioned in 1981 and stood unused for nearly two decades.

In 1994, the Tate Trustees selected the Bankside Power Station as the site for a new gallery dedicated to international modern and contemporary art. An international competition was held to choose an architect for the project, and in 1995, the Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron was announced as the winner. Their design approach was to retain the building’s industrial character while creating a contemporary public space.

Turbin Hall, Tate Modern — The huge Turbine Hall as you enter the Tate Modern.

The conversion of the power station into the Tate Modern began in June 1995 and was completed in January 2000, for £134 million. The design preserved much of the original structure, including the massive Turbine Hall, which became a central feature of the museum. The Turbine Hall has hosted some of the most ambitious and large-scale installations in contemporary art.

One of the amazing things about the Tate is that it is completely free to enter. They ask for a donation to help with expenses but anyone can enter the museum and not pay a single penny or pound. The building’s interior is organized around the Turbine Hall. The Hall with its vast, cathedral-like space serves as a public plaza. It allows visitors to pass through, congregate or just enjoy the many public spaces for sitting, reading or contemplating art.

The museum’s collection is vast and diverse, encompassing a wide range of modern and contemporary art from around the globe. It holds the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day, as well as international modern and contemporary art. The collection includes works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, and Mark Rothko.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Tate Modern hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, featuring both established and emerging artists. The museum also offers a range of educational programs and resources, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures. These programs are designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds, fostering an appreciation of modern and contemporary art.

The Tate Modern is committed to expanding its collection and embracing a more global perspective. This includes acquiring works by artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and exploring new media and technologies. The museum has a mission to inclusivity and innovation. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a casual visitor, the Tate Modern offers an enriching experience that celebrates the power of modern and contemporary art.

The Tate Modern has had a significant impact on the urban design and development of the South Bank and Southwark areas of London. It has become a cultural hub, attracting millions of visitors each year and revitalizing the formerly industrial neighborhood. The museum’s architecture, with its blend of old and new, industrial and contemporary, reflects its mission to celebrate the power and potential of modern and contemporary art.

View of the Millennium Bridge from the Tate Modern

THREE DAYS IN HAMBURG & OTHER STORIES By James Carey.

On Sale at AMAZON and KINDLE.

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Legacy of Abbey Road Crossing: The Beatles to Now

Why Abbey Road Crossing Remains a Must-Visit for Beatles Fans.

The Abbey Road crossing, located in the St. John’s Wood area of London, is one of the most famous pedestrian crossings in the world. Its fame is largely attributed to The Beatles, who immortalized it on the cover of their 1969 album, “Abbey Road.” This simple zebra crossing has since become a pilgrimage site for Beatles fans from around the globe.

A short film about Abbey Road Crossing, London – shot October 2024

The decision to use the Abbey Road crossing for the album cover was practical and symbolic. Initially, The Beatles had considered naming the album “Everest” and even planned a photoshoot in the Himalayas. However, they opted for a more straightforward approach due to time constraints and logistical challenges. Paul McCartney suggested the idea of a photo at the nearby zebra crossing, just outside Abbey Road Studios 1.

So on August 8, 1969, photographer Iain Macmillan was given just ten minutes to capture the iconic image. With a police officer halting traffic, Macmillan climbed a ladder in the middle of the road and took six shots of the band walking across the street. The fifth shot, where the band members’ legs formed a perfect ‘V’ shape, was chosen for the album cover 2.

Recording the “Abbey Road” Album

The recording sessions for “Abbey Road” began in February 1969 and continued through August of the same year. This period was marked by a desire among The Beatles to return to a more harmonious and collaborative atmosphere after the tense “Let It Be” sessions3. Producer George Martin agreed to work on the album under the condition that the band would adhere to the disciplined recording methods that had characterized their earlier work 4.

Before the recording of the album, John Lennon had decided to leave the group, but that knowledge had not been released to the public yet. Despite being in the most successful band in the world, John and George Harrison wanted to leave to explore a creative life outside the ‘fishbowl’ that was the Beatles, while Paul wanted the band to continue. Notwithstanding the internal conflicts and the impending breakup of the band, they managed to produce some of their most polished and enduring work and an album that remains a cornerstone of their legacy and testament to their enduring influence on popular music.

Upon its release on September 26, 1969, “Abbey Road” was met with mixed reviews. Some critics felt the album’s production was overly polished and lacked the raw energy of earlier Beatles records 5. However, over time, “Abbey Road” has come to be regarded as one of the greatest albums in rock history. Its innovative use of technology, the strength of its songwriting, and the iconic album cover have all contributed to its lasting legacy 6. The recording of “Abbey Road” was a complex and multifaceted process that showcased the Beatles’ ability to innovate and adapt.

Historical Significance of the Area

St. John’s Wood, where Abbey Road is located, has a rich history. The area was developed in the early 19th century and became known for its grand villas and leafy streets. It has long been a desirable residential area, attracting notable residents and maintaining a sense of exclusivity.

The Abbey Road area itself is steeped in history. The road was named after Kilburn Priory, a medieval religious house located nearby. Over the years, the area has evolved, but it has always retained a sense of charm and historical significance.

Abbey Road Studios

Abbey Road Studios, located at 3 Abbey Road, is one of the most famous recording studios in the world. Established in 1931 by the Gramophone Company, which later became EMI, the studios were initially intended for classical music recordings. The first major recording session held there was conducted by Sir Edward Elgar, who recorded “Land of Hope and Glory” with the London Symphony Orchestra 7.

The studios quickly became a hub for musical innovation. In the 1960s, they were at the forefront of the British Invasion, with The Beatles recording most of their albums there. The studio’s innovative recording techniques and state-of-the-art equipment allowed The Beatles to experiment and push the boundaries of popular music. Albums like “Revolver,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” and “The White Album” were all recorded at Abbey Road Studios 8.

The Legacy of Abbey Road

The Abbey Road album cover has become one of the most iconic images in music history. It has been parodied and imitated countless times, cementing its place in popular culture. The crossing itself was granted Grade II listed status by English Heritage in 2010, ensuring its preservation for future generations 9.

Abbey Road Studios continues to be a leading recording facility, attracting artists from around the world. It has expanded its services to include film scoring, with many major motion pictures being recorded there. The studios have also embraced modern technology, offering services like Dolby Atmos mixing and video game scoring 10.

Visiting Abbey Road

Today, visitors to Abbey Road can walk in the footsteps of The Beatles. The crossing is a popular tourist attraction, with fans often recreating the famous album cover pose. The studios themselves are not open to the public, but the exterior is a popular spot for photographs. People from all over the world have signed the wall outside Abbey Road as a lasting tribute to their donation to the Beatles and their music. The nearby Abbey Road Shop offers a range of Beatles memorabilia and souvenirs.

Abbey Road Studios Shop Video

The Abbey Road Crossing and Abbey Road Studios are not only significant for their association with The Beatles but also for their contributions to music history. They represent a unique blend of historical charm and modern innovation, making them enduring symbols of creativity and popular cultural heritage.

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All Photos and Films were taken by James Carey. Except for Album cover of The Beatles Abbey Road.

Tripswithjames.com is a trademark of Carey-On Creative, LLC

6 Best Free Things to do in London

Discover London for Free: Must See Spots

London is a city brimming with history, culture, and iconic landmarks. The best part? Many of these experiences are completely free! Here’s a guide to some of the top free attractions in London, featuring Abbey Road, Tate Modern Museum, St James’s Park, Millennium Bridge, Big Ben and Parliament, and the Changing of the Guard.

1. Abbey Road

Famous Abbey Road crossing on a rainy London Day

Start your journey at the world-famous Abbey Road. This iconic zebra crossing, immortalized by The Beatles on their 1969 album cover, is a must-visit for music fans. Snap a photo as you walk across the same spot where John, Paul, George, and Ringo once did. Make sure to visit the Abbey Road Gift Shop for all kinds of touristy items – like posters, t-shirts, magnets, any and everything about the Beatles, and the history of Abbey Road Studios. Don’t forget to sign the wall outside Abbey Road Studios, a tradition for fans from around the globe. Abbey Road Studios is very easy to get to by subway (Tube as it is called in London) to St. John’s Wood. The Studio and crossing are a three block walk from the Tube station.

2. Tate Modern Museum

Next, head to the Tate Modern Museum, located on the banks of the River Thames. This contemporary art museum is housed in a former power station and offers free entry to its permanent collections. Explore works by artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney, and enjoy stunning views of the city from the museum’s viewing level.

The building itself is a piece of artwork, and an amazing place to see and experience. Thought out the museum are 2 coffee bars, a cafe and a tea room on the top floor. Certainly worth a visit. Entrance is free. They do ask for a donation of 10 Pounds (UK currency) but that is up to you to donate or not.

3. St James’s Park

A beautiful sunset over the stream in St. James Park

Take a leisurely stroll through St James’s Park, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. Located near Buckingham Palace, this park is perfect for a relaxing afternoon of looking at nature or just people watching. Enjoy the picturesque lake, vibrant flower beds, ducks and geese, and the resident pelicans, which have been a feature of the park since the 17th century.

4. Millennium Bridge

Cross the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge that offers breathtaking views of the Thames. Connecting St Paul’s Cathedral with Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe, this bridge is an architectural marvel and a great spot for photos. As you walk across, take in the stunning skyline of London.

5. Big Ben and Parliament

No visit to London is complete without seeing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. While you can’t enter the buildings for free, you can admire their Gothic architecture from the outside. The clock tower, often referred to as Big Ben has an official name, Elizabeth Tower, is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks.

The Parliament building was originally constructed in the eleventh century as a royal palace and was the primary residence of the kings of England until 1512. The original building burned down in 1834 and was replaced with what you see now. Be sure to visit at night when the buildings are beautifully illuminated.

Parliament, seat of English Home Rule for over 1000 years.

6. Changing of the Guard

A single guard on duty at the Horse Palace where the horses for the changing are kept.

Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a quintessential British experience. This ceremonial event takes place on select days and is free to watch. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and enjoy the pageantry as the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard, accompanied by a military band.

Do not want to stand in a large crowd to watch? You can wander over to Horse Guard located at the other end of St. James Park and see a much smaller version of The Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. Although not as well known as the Changing at Buckingham Palace smaller crowds and no railings between you and the men and horses taking part make changing The King’s Lifeguard on Horse Guards Parade ideal for visitors with younger children and those looking for some amazing pictures.

The Real Deal at Buckingham Palace every afternoon.

Conclusion

London offers a wealth of free attractions that allow you to experience the city’s rich history and vibrant culture without spending a penny. From the musical heritage of Abbey Road to the artistic treasures of Tate Modern, and the regal splendor of the Changing of the Guard, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your camera and start exploring!

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All Photos were taken by James Carey.

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MY NEW BOOK – THREE DAYS IN HAMBURG & OTHER STORIES – NOW ON SALE AT AMAZON.COM

James R. Carey’s debut on Amazon at $0.99 at www.amazon.com/author.jrc.128 , the book comprises personal, fantasy, and memory-based stories. The title short story, inspired by his own dissolving marriage amid the pandemic, is a semi-true story based on real life events.

This is my first book – one of several to come I hope. You can find it on Amazon.com for the price of $0.99 as a presale special. I hope that enough people will buy it and make it head for bestseller status. (One can dream).

Follow the link www.amazon.com/author/jrc.128 and that will take you directly to my Author page and you can buy directly from there. An excerpt to the title story follow below.

EXCERPT FROM THREE DAYS IN HAMBURG

“My cell phone rang at exactly 11 PM. I picked it up and looked at the caller ID. It was my wife. The call caught me by surprise as we had been having some tough times for the past few months. She was calling from Hamburg, Germany, where she had gone to visit her mother. There’s a 9-hour time difference between Hamburg and our home in West Adams, an area of Los Angeles where we had lived for 5 years. That made it 8 AM in the morning there. We hadn’t talked on the phone for a week, and our few emails to each other had been very terse.

“Hey, how are you?” I asked as I answered the phone.

Silence.

“Hey, can you hear me… Are you there…?”

“Yes, I’m here,” she answered in her odd combination of American & German accent. Something that I had always found very sexy.

“What’s going on? Everything okay?”

“Look I need to talk to you about something very important,” she said in a very flat voice. Hackles rose on the back of my neck and red flags began to appear. “I have been doing a lot of thinking, and I’m calling to tell you that I’m not coming back.”

“For how long? Is everything okay with your mother?” I asked, still unsure which direction this conversation was going to go.

“Mother is fine. I’m calling to tell you that I’m not coming back to you. I’m going to stay in Hamburg for a few more months, and when I come back, I’ll probably file for divorce.”

“What the fuck?”

“Look I don’t want to fight with you about this, please?” she said in a stern voice, cutting me off. “We just do this all the time. I’m tired of the tension. I’m tired of the arguments. I’m tired of being tired and stressed. I love you very much, but I just can’t go on living like this. So please respect my decision. Don’t call me and don’t write me one of your long angry emails. I just can’t take it. Please. And if you do call me, I’m just not going to respond. Okay? I love you, but I just can’t live like this anymore. I’m sorry.” With that, she hung up.

Shocked, I sat staring at the wall for what seemed like hours. Yes, we had not been doing well but I didn’t think it was this far gone. She went to Germany about three weeks before to celebrate her mother’s 70th birthday and to take a break from us and the tension in our house. It was the middle of the semester and I had not been able to leave my teaching gig. I had Face-Timed with my mother-in-law on her birthday and had briefly spoken to my wife. Things had seemed to be okay at least for the moment. This came as a major surprise.

Then I got angry. Really angry. I tried to call her back, but of course, it went straight to voicemail. Predictably, I left her an angry message. Then I poured myself a large Jack Daniels and stormed around the house for the next couple of hours holding imaginary conversations between myself and her telling her what a bitch she was, how unfair she was being and defending myself from all the supposed wrongs that I had done to her over the last few years. Finally, at about 1 AM, I took several hits of pot and fell asleep on the couch.

Somewhere I heard the distant ringing of a cell phone and some part of my brain realized that it was mine. Pulling myself from a deep sleep, I reached out for the phone where I had left it last night. Hoping that it was my wife, I looked at the caller ID and saw the number for work. It was 9:45 AM and I was an hour late for work.

In a groggy voice I answered, “Hello?” Lynda, my department head goes, “Where are you? You’re an hour late for your class.”

My thoughts just could not seem to connect last night to this morning, but I knew I had messed up in a major way. I just decided to tell the truth. “Lynda, my wife is leaving me. She’s in Germany and I have to catch the next plane to try and save my marriage.” – End of Excerpt!

(Excerpt from the short story “THREE DAYS IN HAMBURG” by James R. Carey. From the Book, THREE DAYS IN HAMBURG & OTHER STORIES. Copyright© 2024, James R. Carey. All Rights Reserved. Published with arrangement with CareyOn Creative, LLC, Atlanta, GA .)

Can be found at www.amazon.com/author/jrc.128

I HAVE ALWAYS WRITTEN –

My original plan for this book over four years ago was to be a few short stories surrounding a novella called The Ticket that I’ve been writing for about 5 years. It’s a great story in my head but it never has quite come together the way that I wanted it to on the page. So, it has never been finished.

That was the idea and then real life came along changing everything. A crumbling marriage, the pandemic, a move to the other side of the country, and a new city and start all seem to move the stories in another direction. The stories began to take on the form that they wanted to take, and I just kind of followed along.

Some stories are very personal, others are fantasy. Some are memories of people or places, and some are combinations of all the above. Some are new, and some are old. Some came very easily, and some took months to write. This collection of stories is quite different than the one I intended, but it is the one that came to life.

The title story was written in the early days of the pandemic in my home office in Los Angeles as I tried to come to grips with my dissolving marriage. My then wife and I were still speaking, and she was the first to read it. Her appraisal of it was “very hard for me to read but it’s very good”. Not sure if she meant that or not, but I will take it.

As a young boy I wrote ideas for stories and comic books. First it was crazy little stories about flying turtles or other idiotic ideas, but I thought they were funny, and it kept me entertained as I listened to my parents argued downstairs or sitting by myself in the school cafeteria. Later in my teenage years, the stories became dark ones of loneliness, escape, teenaged angst and desire. However, they could never finish because I wasn’t old enough to know where life was supposed to take you. So, if I didn’t throw them away, they got stuck in a drawer.

In college I discovered three things that I loved. First, was girls. The second was music so I wrote a ton of bad poetry and awful songs, truly little of which has survived to this day. The third thing I discovered was theatre so I wrote some unbelievably bad plays and screenplays. Not any of those survived.

Yet, I still continued to write down little ideas, thoughts, dialogue, situations, dramatic conflicts and the best of those got stuck in that drawer.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I had a writing partner for a while, so some of those ideas that had been stuck in the drawer for years came out. They were dusted off, reexamined and rewritten. Some were used, some were thrown away and some got stuck back in the drawer. Later when I opened my own theatre in Los Angeles with my partner Denise Ragan Weihenmayer called the Attic Theatre Ensemble, we had a lot of stage time to fill and actors to keep busy. So, I started adapting short stories and updating old plays to fill that void. The reaction to those adaptations was positive. I continue jotting down ideas and dialogue.

Eventually, I got married to a minor television star in Los Angeles and when her TV show got cancelled, I wrote her a play. She never performed in that play because we got divorced before I finished it. I did finish it, however. The play was a full-length comedy with dancing and the Devil, and a lot of food called Dancing in Hell. It got produced twice. Once at a university near Los Angeles, and once at my own theatre. It got complimentary reviews, but when those two productions were over. I put the script in the drawer.

I wrote a couple of short film screenplays that got produced, Owlman and A Cost of Freedom, but this was before the Film Festival circuit had become so big. So, the films and the screenplays went in that drawer.

An opportunity to start doing theatre festivals both in the United States and other parts of the world presented itself. This became a time period where I would write and perform one man shows and tour them around these various venues. The first one called Coming To Zimbabwe which debuted in Africa and was later optioned by a German production company to be done as a radio play for German speaking audiences around the world. It was the story of the first time I ever went to Africa and what a life-changing experience it was for me during a difficult part of my life. My second one-man show was called Mi Casa Su Casa where I talked about my large old house in the West Adams area of Los Angeles where I ran an Airbnb for 11 years and the people from all over the world who stayed with me. That was performed in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New England, and various parts of the United States and won several awards. Yet when those shows had run their course, those scripts got stuck in that drawer.

I married my second wife; a Danish woman and we had a very passionate but turbulent relationship. As our marriage fell apart, the pandemic struck, and I found myself stuck in my house in Los Angeles by myself for months. To keep myself busy I decided to paint a couple of rooms including one that had been my home office for over 15 years. As I was clearing out the room and moving items, I discovered that drawer with all the ideas, conversations, dialogue and scenarios that I had left shut for such an extraordinarily long time. As I read through the material, I realized that I had written a lot of stuff. I had written award-winning screenplays and theatre plays. So, with all this time on my hands, I decided to try and write short stories and see what happened. I started and finished the first short story that I had written in probably 25 to 30 years and polished it in a couple of days. Then I rewrote a couple of stories that were in that drawer except now I was approaching them from an adult perspective. I changed them around a good bit and they’re in this book as well. With my marriage finally coming to an end, I wrote a fictionalized version of the last trip that we took together to Hamburg, Germany. Parts of the story are absolutely true, and other parts are as they used to say in an old television show, “the names have been changed to protect the innocent”. That story turned out to be Three Days in Hamburg and became the title story of this collection.

Over the past three years I’ve written more short stories, discarded them and written new ones. I have a novel I’ve been trying to finish. A memoir about my time in Africa that I have worked on sometimes. Written three more screenplays and a couple of them have being produced, but this book of short stories was always something I wanted to finish.

Now I have and I hope you enjoy it. I can’t say it was easy to write but it brings me immense joy to see it in its published form. Thank you for taking the time to pick it up.

Can be found at www.amazon.com/author/jrc.128

The Amazing Splendor of Florence and Milan

It was near the end of my month-long tour around Italy, and I was headed back to Zurich, Switzerland to catch my flight back to Atlanta. I had spent the last week on the Amalfi coast sightseeing and unwinding from what had been a very tense time for me during the Pandemic. When Europe started to open again, I saw a flight for Switzerland in November and knew from there I could catch a train all the way down to the Amalfi coast. And now I was on my way back but there were still two stops that I wanted to make before I thought my trip would be complete.

The first was to make a stop in Florence, also known as Firenze in Italian. I visited Florence once before during the summer of 2005, and everything they say about the crowds and the congestion and how hard it is to get around is absolutely true. It is very crowded. When you are visiting Florence during the summer bring your patience and your camera because the architecture, the art and the scenery are magnificent. You just must wait in line for everything.

Waiting in the rain to see the frescos of Florence Duomo Cathedral

This time I was making a stop just to see one of my favorite pieces of art for the second time. It is so impressive to see live that I wanted to do it again. It is (the) David statue sculpted by Michelangelo. Sculpted from white marble that he went up into the mountains to select himself, this statue is incredibly beautiful. Based on the biblical figure of David, the statue is a masterpiece of renaissance sculpture standing 17 feet tall and weighing over 6 tons. It was sculpted by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504 and when completed was placed in front of the City Hall of Florence where it stood for well over two hundred years before being moved inside and replaced with a replica. The statue is currently housed at the Galleria dell’Accademia which is in the city center of Florence.

A replica of the statue of David — The Replica of David outside Florence City Hall

Florence is considered by many academics to have been the birthplace of the Renaissance, becoming a major artistic, cultural, commercial, political and economic center. During the time that Michelangelo sculpted the David, the city was filled with the artistic and cultural elite of Europe. Imagine walking down a Florence street in the early 1500s and passing the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, and Niccolò Machiavelli, writer of the political handbook The Prince, which is about ruling and exercising power. All these artists and intellectuals were drawn to Florence by the power of the Medici family who ruled Florence and Tuscany and influenced Rome and the Catholic Church for well over three hundred years. The city attracts millions of tourists each year, and UNESCO declared the Historic Centre of Florence a World Heritage Site in 1982. Due to Florence’s artistic and architectural heritage, Forbes ranked it as the most beautiful city in the world in 2010.

View of Florence at Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

One of the most beautiful views of Florence is across the river and high on a hill that overlooks the city, the Piazzale Michelangelo. Offering spectacular views of the city especially at sunset as the fading sun reflects off the roofs of the city giving it a golden glow, the Piazzale Michelangelo is located in the Oltr’Arno section of the city (means literally ‘the other side of the river’) is an easy bus ride up into the hills and home to one of the famous sculptor’s three versions of David, offers stunning panoramic views of Florence. There are also restaurants, cafes and bars here, so you can enjoy a drink and a meal while you breathe it all in, often to the soundtrack of local musicians playing in the square. It is difficult to think of anywhere better suited to the quintessential Florentine experience.

DAVID by Michelangelo at the Galleria dell’Accademia

As you can tell from the photographs of (the) David by Michelangelo it portrays a naked man. During the Renaissance in Europe many paintings and sculptures portrayed naked women and men, or naked angels and saints. The human body was seen as something beautiful not something to be hidden away. I was reading recently where a teacher at a junior high school in Florida who had shown photographs of the David to her students was suspended for a few days when one or more of the parents complained about her showing one of the greatest works of European art to her students. The parents were upset that the statue was of a naked man. When the directors of the Galleria dell’Accademia heard about the American teacher being suspended, they offered her and a guest two business class round trip tickets to Florence so she could see the statue for herself for the first time. I am often confused by people who equate art showing naked people with pornography. These are two separate things. The human body by itself is not pornographic. It is beautiful. If you believe in a God, then that is how we were created. To take offense at having a teacher show a photograph of a world famous 600-year-old statue to her classroom, I think is ridiculous but that is my opinion. All I can say is if you are ever in Florence, the statue of David is worth standing in line to see. I have done it twice and I would not trade the experience for anything. It is truly a magnificent work of art.

The next morning, I got on a Euro-Star train which took me to the train station in Milan. The Milan train station (Milano Centrale) is a hub for travel for all of Italy and Europe itself. Located in the northern part of the country, if you are coming from Switzerland or from Germany or France you always stop in Milan to change trains to go to Rome, Naples or anywhere further south. Yet, I was not just coming to Milan for the train station, I was coming to spend time in this amazing city.

Milan is the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome. The city has a population of about 1.4 million. Its outer suburbs even stretch into the nearby country of Switzerland making it the fourth largest in the EU with 5.27 million inhabitants. According to national sources, the population within the wider Milan metropolitan area (also known as Greater Milan), is estimated between 8.2 million and 12.5 million making it by far the largest metropolitan area in Italy and one of the largest in the EU.

The city’s role as a major political center dates back to the late antiquity, when it served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Milan is recognized as one of the world’s four fashion capitals; many of the most famous luxury fashion brands in the world have their headquarters in the city, including: Armani, Prada, Versace, Moschino, Valentino and Zegna.

Milan is also a global center of tourism, receiving millions of visitors every year with museums and art galleries that include some of the most important collections in the world, such as major works by Leonardo da Vinci. In the field of sports, Milan is home to two of Europe’s most successful football teams, A.C. Milan and Inter Milan. The city will host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2026.

Some of the most famous sites to see in the city (of so many to see) are:

The Milan Cathedral also known locally as “The Duomo.”

Milan Cathedral is an artistic monument, well known for its stunning architecture. Also known as Duomo di Milano in Italian, this cathedral is one of the most iconic structures that is also serves as a symbol of Milan. This magnificent cathedral is noted for its Gothic-style architecture and impressive look. The structure was built over a period of six centuries, it is also known for being the third largest church in the world.

On the same plaza is world’s oldest shopping malls, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

One of the major landmarks in Milan, it was first opened back in 1877. The iron-and-glass architecture of the gallery is particularly notable as it was unprecedented in any shopping gallery of those days. It is home to many iconic stores and coffeehouses.

The Policlinico of Milan also known as Ospedale Maggiore di Milano, is one of the oldest hospitals in Italy, founded in 1456. It is a monumental complex which now lies mere steps from the Milan Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in the heart of the historic city center. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was decided that the hospital needed to be moved. This move coincided with the founding of the University of Milan. The University took over the historic building complex and it now serves as one of the ten campus buildings spread throughout central Milan. The University is one of the largest universities in Europe, with about 60,000 students, and a permanent teaching and research staff of about 2,000. The Ospedale Maggiore di Milano today it is a modern hospital with nine hundred beds, with wards for adults, pregnant women and children. During the first COVID-19 breakout in March 2020, 300 of those beds were readapted for COVID-19 patients.

La Scala Opera House is considered one of the greatest opera houses in the world on the same scale as the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Inaugurated in 1778, this legendary opera house is known for hosting the finest operatic artists in the world. Most of Italy’s greatest operatic artists, and many of the finest singers from around the world, have appeared at La Scala. Its impressive repertoire of music directors includes names such as Arturo Toscanini.

Mural – The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

The Last Supper is a mural painting by Leonardo da Vinci, dated to c. 1495–1498, and is considered one of his major works. The painting represents the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus with the Twelve Apostles, as it is told in the Gospel of John – specifically the moment after Jesus announces that one of his apostles will betray him. Its handling of space, understanding of perspective, treatment of motion and complex display of human emotion has made it one of the Western world’s most recognizable paintings and among Leonardo’s most celebrated works. Due to the methods used, a variety of environmental factors, and intentional damage, little of the original painting remains today despite numerous restoration attempts, the last being completed in 1999. Housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Reservations are required all year and tickets can only be booked up to four months in advance but usually sell out very quickly. The official ticket site, Cenacolo Vinciano, releases tickets for sale for periods of two to four months in advance. If you just show up to see it, you will be turned away.

On your next or first trip to Italy, make sure to give yourself time in each place to enjoy the amazing history, art, architecture and glory of these ancient and historically important modern cities.

All photos by James Carey, except the photo of The Last Supper @Wallpaper Cave.

Some information is provide by Wikipedia.

TripswithJames.com is a trademark of Carey On Creative, LLC

THE SECRET BATHING POOL OF THE QUEEN OF NAPOLI

The place where she meet her secret lovers while ruling for 40 years.

Outside the town of Sorrento, Italy, the Gateway to the famous Amalfi Coast is a hidden natural swimming pool with a natural arch that leads out to the sea. The pool is a beautiful bluish green color. It’s a beautiful and romantic protected cove and you can understand why the Queen of Naples would come here to relax and have fun in the sun. At one time there was an old Roman temple here (I do not know which God or Goddess it was for), so it has been an important place since before the birth of Christ.

Cliffs for swimming and fishing at Cape Sorrento

It was a moderately warm but drizzly day in Sorrento where I was staying for a few days as I toured around Italy. I had already walked all over the city, eating amazing Italian food, taking a wild bus ride along the cliffs of the Amalfi coast to Positano and I needed something to do on this gray day. I was not going to stay in my hotel room just because of a little rain. I had heard of Queen Giovanna’s bathing pool, so I decided to go see it for myself.

The swimming hole of Queen Giovanna is not actually a secret today. It is quite a famous tourist attraction during the summer months along the Amalfi coast because of its wonderful views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, the cliffs and the swimming. This spot along the Cape of Sorrento has been a popular destination for the rich and famous since the start of the Roman Empire. The ruins of a sprawling Roman villa called – Villa Pollio Felice – dating from the 1st century BC. still stands and can be visited. You can go down into the foundations of this Roman villa and hang out if you want. Many people do as evidence from the graffiti covered walls, the empty beer cans and wine bottles, and the odor of weed that lingers in the air. The original owner of this Roman villa could have never imagined that what is basically his basement would become a party place over 2000 years later.

The area around Bagni Regina Giovanna (or translated to Queen Giovanna Baths) is an archeological site and park but in true Italian style it is not protected like an American archeological site. It is a secluded spot located off the beaten path and there is no supervision or guard on duty so you can do whatever you want here on the cliffs above the bay. You are free to wander around, swim or sunbath, fish, have a picnic or cliff dive if you want. Yet, you must be careful because the paths are very rocky, and some are in disrepair, so it is easy to slip and fall to the rocks below. A staircase leads down to the pool. It is shallow and perfect for swimming.

How To Get There –

The baths and ruins are easily reached by bus with a short walk and climb. Begin on Via Capo from Sorrento, staying on this street until you reach Traversa Punta Capo. You can reach the road by cab for about 20 euros from city center you can also hop a bus here as well. There is a store where you can buy water, sandwiches, and basic supplies very close to the bus stop. Walk a few yards along Taversa Punta Capo and off to the right you will see what looks like an old Roman road with high walls along each side. You will follow the road down towards the Bay for about 20 minutes. You should take good walking shoes and the climb back up by this road can be tiring because it is uphill all the way, so you need to be in decent shape or take your time.

You will be passing old villas and homes – some lived in and several not, but on the other side of the walls are olive and lemon groves that seem to have been farmed for centuries. The road is wide enough for a small car or truck to pass by and the road is very old. It is paved but rough walking in many places.
You will eventually come to a staircase that will take you down into the park area. The trails in this area are in rough shape and the stairs down to the pool look unsteady but they seemed safe. You will find the Villa ruins here with its sweeping views, you can sneak down into the foundations if you want. You can make your way along a path that leads to a stony beach for swimming in the bay or take another staircase down to the bathing pool. I did it in November, so it was not crowded at all, and it was cool. During the summer months it will be much warmer and much more crowded so just follow the people.

Who was The Queen of Naples?

Regina Giovanna or Joanna (1326–1382) was a legend before her time. She inherited the kingdom of Napoli from her grandfather at 17 years old during the time when it was extremely rare for a queen to be the ruler of any Kingdom. It was assumed by everyone that she would give up her authority to her husband as soon as she married. Her first marriage took place when she was seven years old, and she married her cousin from Hungary who was six years old. His name was Andrew and of course they did not consummate their marriage until she was 18. Giovanna was smart, ambitious and spent most of her life defending her right to be queen from all the medieval men who kept trying to take her throne. She was married four times, lost both of her children, and had to defend herself from the Pope, her Hungarian relatives and her own family members who were determined to take her throne. Yet in a time of male dominance and when the entire political system was turned against her, she managed to stay on her throne for over 40 years. In the end she was betrayed by one of her Hungarian relatives who invaded Napoli, laid siege to her castle, imprisoned her and finally put her to death.

Unfortunately for Giovanna she is not remembered for her determination to stay on the throne, but instead for the legends that accuse her of murder, ruthlessness, sluttiness and general bad behavior. Whoever she was and whatever she did, it is no wonder that because of all the political intrigue and drama that took place in her palace that she needed a place to get away too. That place was this secretive but beautiful protective cove which allowed her to escape the worries and cares of ruling Napoli. According to legend, the Queen spent much of her time at these baths where she and her ladies-in-waiting waded around the waters with their various lovers. Call it scandalous, or call it sexy, either way this paradise stays, and today the Queen is honored in her favorite place in Naples by thousands of visitors each year.

All Photos by James Carey

Positano, Italy: City on a Cliff

Before I start my account about Positano, I owe my subscribers a bit of an apology. I promised this story to you almost three months ago and yet here it is the first time you’ve heard from me since August. My professional life has gotten very busy recently but that’s not an excuse. I just got lazy. Between directing a show, pre-production for a film, some acting jobs and being asked to write a film for a producer here in Atlanta, I just kept saying I’ll do the Positano story tomorrow. And of course I’m just getting to it now. So please pardon me and expect a lot more articles on Trips With James in the coming weeks.

Positano is the first village that you come to as you leave Sorrento, Italy on the Naples side of the Amalfi coast. It can be reached by bus along the cliffs, or you can take ferries from Naples and Sorrento to reach it by sea. Positano is a layer cake of houses and shops and churches built on a cliff side that reaches all the way down to the Bay of Naples.

The photographs and the short film that are part of this article describe much better than I can in words how beautiful and colorful Positano is. There’s one highway that comes into Positano and connects you with the rest of the Amalfi coast, and there is one road that goes through the village all the way down to the shoreline. Yet Positano is a city of steps and stairways that lead in all directions as you walk through the village. These steps and stairways and paths lead to plazas, elegant shops, beautiful homes, small churches, large cathedrals and everywhere restaurants. Each one of these places has a magnificent view of the Bay of Naples.

I have two brief tales of things that happened to me as I entered Positano. As some of you who have read this blog before know I am scared of heights. Not ones made by nature, but ones made by man himself. I am perfectly fine standing on a cliff or mountain but flying in an airplane or riding over a high bridge scare me stupid. Taking the bus from Sorrento towards Positano, I had climbed on board and sat on right side of the coach. The Italian roads around the Amalfi coast are very narrow but the bus drivers speed around those corners and curves like it’s the Indianapolis 500. To get from Sorrento to Positano you have to cross over a mountain and come down the other side and the views are incredible, but you are literally traveling on a road that is suspended over the ocean anywhere from 500 to 1000 feet above the Bay of Naples with all the views on my side of the bus. There was literally nothing next to us. We were completely supported on this tiny narrow road by man-made construction. There had never been a road there before and there really should not be a road there now. It was breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly scary as we whipped around those corners in this 30-foot bus.

As we arrived in the village an incident that took place was right out of any classic Italian genre comedy. What took place was so cliché that you almost would not believe that it happened, but it actually did. As I stated before the highway is very narrow and in the villages people actually park on both sides of the highway in many places so there’s only enough room for one car to get through one at a time, but Italians don’t wait for anybody they just keep going. As we pulled into the village there was a small pickup truck in front of our bus traveling in the same direction and coming from the opposite way was a very large Mercedes-Benz. They both arrived at the same place at the same time and neither one of them would move out of the way for the other. What ensued was 10 minutes of Italian drivers standing in the middle of the road screaming at each other and waving their hands around in that secret language of Italian hand gestures that only they understand. Our bus driver also got involved as he got out of the bus twice and went over to the group of screaming Italian men. He proceeded to yell and scream while jumping up and down a bit and then came back to the bus. With the cars stacking up behind us on the busy coastal road, drivers from 5, 6, 7 cars away would get out come to join the loud discussion and then walk back to their cars shaking their heads. Not knowing the language, I could only guess what the argument was about. It seemed that the driver of the Mercedes-Benz, a very elegantly dressed older man, seemed concerned that his Mercedes would get scratched by the pickup truck. The driver of the truck didn’t care and that seemed to be the main concern. Finally after 10 minutes of this comedy of errors in Italian, the elegantly dressed man got back in his Mercedes and actually could drive past the pickup truck. There had been really no reason for this entire kerfuffle to take place, but it was exciting to see that the cliches that you think happen in other countries like Italian drivers screaming at each other in the middle of a road actually do take place. No one pulled a gun, no one threw a punch, no one tried to stab anybody else, there was just a lot of yelling and screaming and gesticulating about who was supposed to go first or get out of the way.

It was a bright, clear and warm November day as I took my time wandering through Positano down staircases, across plazas, entering shops and the large cathedral there as I made my way down towards the shoreline. Arriving at the shore of the Bay of Naples, I turned around and realized what an amazing feat of architecture this was. It was a layer cake of colorful houses and shops, churches and plazas that are all built on top of each other. Places where people live and work and shop and eat and live their lives. It is incredible to behold, yet you wonder who was the first person to decide that we could build an entire village on a side of a cliff?

At the bottom of the cliff, the shoreline was filled with expensive eateries and restaurants that serve fresh seafood and amazing Italian pastas and wines. After lunch, of course, it took me a bit longer to go up the staircases to the road then to come down them. I almost missed the bus back to Sorrento because while there is a bus schedule it’s a little bit flexible in an Italian way. Most of these villages don’t have a bus station there’s just a place where people gather and if you miss the bus you may be there for another hour or so before one returns.

Positano is beautiful, colorful, and certainly worth the visit.

A Day in Positano, Italy: A Short Film

A short travel log about Positano, Italy

Positano (Campanian: Pasitano) is a village and comune on the Amalfi Coast (Province of Salerno), in Campania, Italy, mainly in an enclave in the hills leading down to the coast.

A Day in Positano, Italy

TRANSPORTATION TO POSITANO:

Positano can be reached by the SS163 Amalfitana national road, or by the SP425 provincial road. The nearest airports are the Napoli-Capodichino (NAP) and the Salerno-Pontecagnano Airport (QSR) and they have shuttle buses to destinations across the Amalfi Coast, including Positano. Ferries link Positano to other towns including Capri, Naples, Salerno, and Sorrento for transportation. The Sita bus links Positano to Amalfi and Sorrento.

Next Blog will be about Positano!

Film directed and edited by James Carey. All photos are by James Carey. Sources for the information are from Wikipedia and journals of James Carey. The film and this blog are copyrighted by CareyOn,LLC 2022.

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