Photo Journal: Footpath of the Gods, Amalfi Coast
For the most part, I really like living in Hong Kong. The city features such a unique blend of mountainous terrain, bustling harbours and limitless skyscrapers that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. And with a population of over 7 million people, the city is always buzzing with life — and efficiently so. The escalators are roller-coaster fast, the elevated walkways are Fifth Element-esque and custom-made suits hug your chubby bum in 2-days flat.
But sometimes the disharmonious chords of thumping footsteps, endless building construction, swearing and swerving of taxi drivers make me feel like a rabid deer in headlights foaming at the mouth and twitching at the hooves. Once this threshold is reached, my brain becomes a one-track mind in search for release.
During a beautiful hike along the Amalfi Coast’s Footpath of the Gods, I found the serenity-now I desperately sought. And while the impromptu 6-mile, 500-meter-high hike along the gorges started out with the intention of just a quick peak, each step forward (in 4-inch wedge sneakers, might I add) became more and more a purposeful quest to see no one and to hear nothing.
Despite the tiredness that plagued my legs and the intermittent rain that chilled my bones, we forged ahead with the motto: “It’s too late to turn back now!” So onwards we climbed and trudged and limped.
Around each bend, from each peak, above each stone we were met with curious greetings from nature’s country-less population. Flowers with frisky whiskers, wild grass with nimble fingers, cliffs full of hips and limbs. The trail’s occupants were just as crowded and full of life as the densely populated city of HK — but it was just the company I was looking for.
Connie Benedict!
Your pictures are just to die for or live for I should say. Amazingly beautiful. I too long for the peace away from a bustling city that I get limited true breaks from. Your writing is so amazing. Really draws me in. You can feel your passion for writing and your thirst for amazing photos. My only hope is you purchase better hiking shoes in the near future. hehe
Martin Labud
Wow. After reading this post and checking out your marvelous photos, I really do feel the need to check out the Amalfi coast. As well as other parts of Italy- such as Cinque Terre and the coast of Puglia. I wouldn’t mind doing a longer term stay in Italy, as there seems to be so much to see. Really enjoyed this post. Thanks, Lisa!
Mary Beth Leisen
Lisa, this made my day!! I absolutely love the writing – and the photos are magnificent! I was just telling someone the other day that I would like to get to Italy sometime soon – and this was just the inspiration I needed. BTW, I used to live in Hong Kong – and I totally get the contrast. Busy cities are great – but it’s also nice to be in the beauty and quiet of nature. :-)
erica lawrence: naturopath - body ecologist.
These photos are absolutely breathtaking. It’s the same feeling one gets after taking a huge breath of fresh, clean air; they tingled my senses and made me feel truly alive!
The Seoul Girl
How do you manage to take such beautiful shots when you’re hiking! I would probably be huffing and puffing, attempting to catch my breath while attempting to absorb the breathtaking view.
Peter Ewing
Lisa, Beautiful photos so artfully presented. -Peter
Wong Xin Yi
beautiful post–both writing and photos!!!