Borrowing
from Greek mythology, the Romans placed the legendary abode
of the sirens (those wicked mermaids who lured seamen to
their deaths with their sweet songs) at Sorrento
(Surrentum). Ulysses resisted their call by stuffing the
ears of his crew with wax and having himself bound to the
mast of his ship. Perched on high cliffs overlooking the
bays of Naples and Salerno, Sorrento has been sending out
its siren call for centuries -- luring everybody from Homer
to Lord and Lady Astor to busloads of international
tourists, who invade every summer.
The streets in summer tend to
be as noisy as a carnival. And the traffic is horrendous (no
traffic signals in such a bustling city!). The hotels on the
"racing strip," Corso Italia, need to pass out
earplug kits when they tuck you in for the night, although
perhaps you'll have a hotel on a cliff side in Sorrento with
a view of the sea (and paths and private elevators to take
you down).
