Viewing page 19 of 47

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

512   

Amalfi - Ravello - Terracina

pleasant, all the young waiters wanted to know how I felt & how I enjoyed my trip. As Nicoletti had told me, the finest people in Italy are the poor & the humble.

- Naples, was disappointing. The poverty of the people only too obvious. Conditions such as we have seen in the Italian movies - everywhere in evidence. As in the East - a lust for life - 'la vida bella' - wine, children & song - in spite of it all. The existentialists have a word for it.

The drive from Sorrento, along the wonderful scenic coast, the Amalfi Drive - past Meta, Positano to reach Amalfi situated in an enchanting position on the bright Gulf of Salerno. Visit to the cathedral & then proceeded to Ravello. Landscape of incomparable beauty.

Was glad I was in  the hotel when the phone rang with a call from New York. How happy I was to hear their voices, at home, and to know that all is well with them. Ended the day with two letters - one home, one to Louis.


513  

Rome.  Monday, May 2'

Another long day - the weather has been superb. Sunshine and warmth. At 9.30 AM - to the bank. The teller knew me by name & shook hands for goodbye when I told him I was leaving on Wednesday. Went to the shoe maker to have my shoes repaired. Fine craftsmanship. Then, the bus to the Sistine (Capello Sistina). Studied the early works - 13th & 14th Century paintings (Giotto 1266-1336?) Must buy some books & reproductions at home. Again - Michelangelo's masterwork. Overpowering & awesome. Stayed at the vatican till 2 o'clock, & then for an hour, took a horse & cab ride about town back to the hotel for a little rest.

At 4 - took a tram ride (C.D.) or (C.S.) for an hour about the city. Every corner of this city has its majestic beauty. I will repeat it tomorrow, my last day in glorious Roma. For tonight, I have bought a ticket to a performance of Madama Butterfly at the Opera House. Razel & I both have loved it for years (My first performance - at the age of twelve) We have always wept together over it and so,