Amalfi Coast 5

 Day 7

Today I plump for a day of solitude whilst TC goes on a hike to the island of Capri. I have got to the stage of needing peace and quiet as well as quick access to air conditioning. Of course part of the reason in coming here is to enjoy lovely weather and so it is, but too much of a good thing and all that. A short morning walk around the town after which I retire to the hotel pool and enjoy Sandi Toksvig in my ears. It is easy to spot the Brits in the pool.. pasty white torsos, pink faces and generous collections of mozzie bites. I'm careful to cover up.

At breakfast group leader is busy organising a variety show for the last night. Ooh er. She had mooted this before but there was no enthusiasm for it whatsoever. This does not put her off. I see her writing down 'community choir' and when she remembers I play the piano she writes 'piano recital'. I say quickly I did not agree to a recital, but she appears not to hear me. I volunteer TC for a vocal solo (in his absence) as I don't see why I should be the only one to suffer. She is going to call the evening, 'Music Mud and Mayhem with Mike'. Personally, I don't see what it's got to do with me but mayhem is probably going to be an apt word. This is one of the hazards of coming on group holidays like this.

Day 8

Today is another relax day for me. TC is especially in need of this as he returned from Capri in a bit of a fluster having got lost on the island. He seems to have ignored my last words on departure, 'don't get lost!'. 

We venture down to the nearest beach which is a climb down a very pretty road with lovely views. 

Beaches here are prime property and we pay for sun loungers and a parasol. Being British we spend half an hour covering ourselves with factor 30 and then lay on the loungers covering ourselves from head to toe with towels. We're not taking any chances. The Italians lay in the sun for hours in heat that could fry an egg. 

The day passes uneventfully with occasional dips in the sea and chasing the shade. I order a panini for lunch and I am handed a loaf that could feed the entire beach. I finish it, and almost immediately regret it. An ice cream helps flush it down. TC joins a few from the group in a pedolo with a slide but this is short lived as they seem to get bored very quickly and abandon it. Back to the hotel along the windy road... For our last dinner we are presented with Baked Alaska that is set alight. The food this week has been OK but not spectacular. However, they have pushed the boat out tonight with a dramatic pudding. 

Tonight is our variety show with some community singing and warm up exercises which I often use with choirs. It creates a lot of laughter and then group leader encourages us to get a drink from the bar. This is an excellent move. The evening then progresses (descends) into what I would call karaoke. TC takes off with 'Mud mud glorious mud', and the thing really gets going. I'm then called upon to play hits such as Mamma Mia, Sweet Caroline and I Will Survive, amongst others. I have been anxious about this all day, downloading the music, but am pleased to say that with a glass of wine all swung along nicely. I manage to persuade group leader not to attempt the Hallelujah chorus. There is a nice mix of ages in the group of about 40, with ages ranging from children to those in their 70's. 

I think we can say the holiday has been a success. It is fortunate that the holiday is ending as I have bought a fridge magnet which I thought looked attractive. Obviously TC's bad influence.