One Woman's Solo Journey

Several of us from the group decided to spend our free day in the larger town of Amalfi.  We were given several different directions, and came to an agreement that a short 20 minute walk from Mamma Agata's would be ideal. The 20 minute walk turned into an hour hike, and we got so frustrated at one point that once we found ourselves on level ground, we literally ran to the middle of the road to stop a bus to pick us up.  After catching our breath, we settled down and enjoyed the 15 minute ride by bus to the Amalfi city center.  

We then enjoyed a relaxing lunch outdoors serenaded by Italian musicians.  It was during our departure from the restaurant that we met Kat.  Apparently there was an altercation between a man with a "troubled mind" and a little boy.  We were so insulted by his treatment of the little boy, and not understanding Italian, we tried to intervened.  This upset the man even more and Kat came to our rescue. Realizing we were Americans, she said just enough in Italian to get us safely away from the man before his insults would lash back at us.  

Kat is from Nashville, Tennessee and journeyed to Italy on her own. Yes, a solo journey.  She has been to Italy many times (most recently the previous September), and was hoping that her twin sister would join her.  However, her sister was unable to make it and Kat went on her own.  She recently turned 33 (four ladies on the trip turned 33 in the last few months, what we affectionately called our "Jesus Year") and was on a 30+ day journey that was to take her along the southern coast of Italy all the way to the northern parts. When we met, she had just finished a 7 mile hike of the Path of the Gods (I guess we took a short cut) that took her to the Amalfi city center.  In fact, she was so fearless in her journey, that she even rented a car to make the drive up the coast. Hmm....anyone who has been to Italy know that driving along these coastal curves and mountains is insane.  This brave tactic and her audacity to do it alone was very inspiring.  Many people will say she's crazy, but this southern hairdresser and hockey fanatic knew her purpose. Often times family and friends can't make a trip, but does that mean don't go?  It helped that she met up with Italian friends she knew along the way, but she also took the time to help a few new friends that happen to be Americans.