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A  Magical Trip to Italy's Amalfi Coast(2/3)

Experience a region world-renowned for its rugged landscape, spectacular views and picturesque village

Natural beauty

The Sentiero degli Dei (the Path of the Gods), a mountain hike high above the seacoast, begins in Nocelle, only a short bus ride from the postcard-famous seaside town of Positano. The well-marked trail offers dramatic views of the rugged coastline as it follows the mountain ridges to nearby Praiano, a walk of about four hours.

Though it's not particularly difficult if you're reasonably fit, we encountered only a few people on a picture-perfect sunny afternoon in early September, a time of year when packed tour buses still navigate the region's mountain roads.

Our spirit of adventure was rewarded with glimpses of bygone days. We passed the ruins of a farmhouse; an ancient arch that surely once led somewhere, but now leads nowhere, and an old convent complete with faded frescoes of saints, surrounded by humble offerings of fresh-cut flowers and olive branches.

Uncomplicated delights

Throughout our 11 days we found the greatest reward in giving ourselves over to uncomplicated delights. On Capri, we fled the boutiques and crowds of tourists in the island's main town for a hike up the Passatiello. Though strenuous at times, the route offers breathtaking views of the island and its famous Faraglioni Rocks. The grounds of an old church near the summit provide a perfect setting for a picnic lunch.

For the less athletic, the paved Via Pizzolungo on the eastern edge of the island offers beautiful views and tranquil surroundings. There are stone benches along the walk and, as is so often the case in this highly civilized country, a staircase for the steep climb at the end, which takes you to a natural rock arch. On the way, there are sea views and weathered stone villas. As we passed one such villa, the friendly owner clipped a branch of purple bougainvillea from his garden and presented it to my wife.

Vocabulary Focus

bygone (adj) ---belonging to or happening in a past time

humble (adj) ---ordinary; not special or very important

weathered (adj) ---showing the effects or exposure to the weather

Specialized Terms

convent (n) ---修道院a building in which nuns live 

fresco (n) ---湿壁画a picture made by painting on a wall or ceiling with a wet sand mixture 

boutique (n) ---精品店a small shop that sells fashionable clothes or jewelry

Faraglioni Rocks (n .phr) ---法拉里奥尼岩石geological landforms in the shape of vertical columns located in the Bay of Naples

bougainvillea (n) --- 九重葛a climbing plant, common in hot climates, with red and purple flowers

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