Ravello!

The end of the pier seemed safe. There were no ominous ripples in the dark waters, no strange rumblings from the deep, no strange visions or dreams from the great old ones. So we sat, watching the lights turn on in the streets and over the cliff faces. On the shore Tchaikovsky's nuts were being cracked by a junior ballet troop in what looked to be a full dress rehearsal. Amalfi was apparently peaceful and calm.

Amalfi from the pier.

Despite all the lights and amplified sounds of the town, we walked into a hotel plunged into a mysterious darkness. The concierge assured us that it was a temporary power loss, and all would be normal in 10 minutes. He didn't say, "this is another manifestation of the old ones." He showed the outer reassurance expected of a professional in a difficult position.

I value the pluck of these locals. The power dropped out 3 times before midnight, each instance taking 10-15 minutes to restore. Not once was anyone panicked enough to run screaming into the night. We closed the shutters to block out the image of the black Mediterranean and slept fitfully, determined to play the roles of simple tourists despite our knowledge of the imminent Lovecraftian threats.

Amalfi has a cathedral and a museum that show the grandeur and power of historic Amalfi.

The Original Smart Car.

Inside the cathedral, where walls are covered with signs and protections against the dark ones.

St. Andrew - looking very holy and not at all creepy unless you notice he's carrying his own cross.

An open topped bus with audio guides took us up to Ravello, high in the coastal hills, a favorite holiday spot for the rich, famous and artistic types.

Ravello city square and (yet another) cathedral.

 We wandered into the Villa Rufolo to browse the peaceful gardens and art installations.

 

Amidst the tranquil innocence of the gardens stood an abomination -- a bestial nightmarish distortion of humanity displayed in full view for all.

A sanity threatening statue in plain view.

We fled the place, returning to the relative safety of Amafi for food and wine and sunshine. Thus comforted we returned to the hotel, only to notice another instance of Smurfication. Just how widespread is this practice?

In which normal town lives are miniaturised and locked in stasis.