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).
)