The Honeymooners

New country, new time zone and new author…………….

Welcome to the world according to TORY and Doug from the Middle East.

But before arriving in the Arabian Gulf, we first managed to squeeze in a weeks honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. It was absolutely amazing and a much needed break before relocating to Dubai. We highly recommend staying in Praiano a little village 6km on from Positano as the view is magnificent back onto Positano and straight down the Amalfi coastline towards the Isle of Capri and the Sorrentine Peninsula. It is also quieter, and very coastal without the being under the tourist influence.

http://www.pensione-pellegrino.it/. Luigi Iaccono, the owner is a true host. His one-on-one attention to his guests is second to none. July or October is the best time to visit as they are not too busy then.

http://www.daadolfo.com/ An amazing day trip from Positano. You pick up a boat from the port with a fish on the mast. They take you to a tiny private beach, this is a full day as they have a fabulous rustic shack where you eat (best food I've ever experienced), drink and lounge in the sun!

We also did a boat trip of Capri, and managed to run into a friend’s father and partner from Brisbane, the world is forever getting smaller. Capri is very chi chi with all the top tier designers having their stores lining the winding coble stoned streets. Five star hotels are in abundance with paparazzi snooping in the quiet streets trying to catch up an unsuspecting celebrity. The yachts moored around the island defy belief and certainly generate intrigue as to who must be on board. The final day trip was to Ravello, high up in the mountains above the town of Amalfi. This place is remarkable, noticeably very affluent with lush streets and not a sign of rubbish or misfortune. It is home to one of the most spectacular natural amphitheatres in the world. International musicians of all music genres perform here throughout the year. Unfortunately we timed our visit badly and missed a concert that was a 10pm that evening.

We flew into Rome and hired a car. However I would recommend flying into Naples. Doug after not driving for years on a regular basis and never having driven in Europe (Right Side) managed the hectic autostrada and then the tricky coastal roads with ease. We later heard of another Australian group who hired their car from Rome and managed to have three separate scrapes on the way down, so it was quite an achievement. This was my first experience of Italy and I could not have been more inspired by the place.

Two days back in London, the final packing was complete. We said our goodbyes to Ben who had been Doug’s flatmate for the past six months in London and headed to the UAE.

Next update will chronicle our first impressions of Dubai, so stay tuned.

Much Love,
Tory & Doug

Pictures from the Amalfi Coast