When we got to the Mountain, the bus took a VERY windy road up through the town towards the summit. This was fortunate because we didnt want to have to hike to the 4,200 foot summit. Once the bus parked we took a short but very steep hike up to the big crater and took a look into its massive opening. It was absolutely stunning in every direction we looked. The cloud layer was right up to where we were standing so it felt like we were up in our own little world, kind of reminding me of my experience at Hearst Castle in Cambria. After taking quite a few (MANY) pictures, we headed down and got on the bus to go to our hotel outside Sorento.
The view looking into the crater, with my roommate Vince
Not what you would normally think a volcano's interior looks like but really cool nonetheless.
The hotel was, like Hotel Tiziano in Rome, a uniquely Italian experience. First of all, the lobby was all the way up on the fifth floor. It was worth the walk up the stairs considering the lobbys windows faced the Mediterranean with a beautiful panoramic view of the clear blue waters. Our room unfortunately faced the mountains but it was beautiful in its own way, watching the sun and fog climb over the top each morning.
View of Sorento coastline.
View from our hotel balcony.
After checking in we left for the center of Sorento, a quaint little town filled with windy streets and marinas. For dinner, API arranged for a private table in the basement of a restaraunt that was a lot of fun. They served us some great antipastos and gnochi (which I finally know how to pronounce now!)
Shot of the Group
When dinner was over we had a few hours to check out the town so we walked around and drank at a few spots. My favorite place was walking down to the marina with the group while sharing a few bottles of wine. The views were spectacular considering we were surrounded by massive cliffs and beautiful yachts.
The following morning we got up early to catch our ferry over to the island of Capri. This was perhaps the most beautiful place I have ever been to in my entire life. It looked very similar to the Virgin Islands but there was something even more special about it, maybe because of its history and knowing that former Roman emperors had made it THEIR vacation spot. As soon as we got there we hopped on a private boat tour around the island that quickly became quite the fiesta!
Basically a private yacht that took us around the island.
two of Jeremys excellent panoramic shots.
When we got back to the Marina Grande, Jeremy, Vince, Thao and I made our plans for the day which was extremely important because we had a lot to see and only a few hours. We hopped on a bus to Anacapri, a smaller town located near the highest point on the island. The bus ride was CRAZY! It felt like a rollercoaster as we hauled up and around these cliffs that had massive, straight down drops. I thought we were going to fly down the mountain but I took comfort in knowing the bus driver had driven it a million times before. Once to Anacapri, we grabbed a quick bite to eat to save money and time. I had a fried calzone that was delicious; the gooey dough and fresh mozarella and tomato was unbeatable.
We hurridly got on the chairlift which took us to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest point of Capri. This was definitely one of the highlights of the day, it was amazing each of us sitting in our own little flying chair as we floated our way over the little houses and gardens to the top. The view at the top was unlike anything I have ever seen. It looked like the best post card I have ever seen, only it was right in front of me, from all directions. I was sad to leave that mountain top but I hope to one day go back there. It certainly rivals some of the peaks I have been too, particularly Half Dome in Yosemite which again, I cannot go the rest of my life without seeing again.
View of all the tiny boats (that were actually massive yachts)
The awesomely productive group.
When we got back down the chairlift to Anacapri, we embarked on another adventure to the famed Blue Grotto. This alone made the trip for all of us; it was completely worth the time and money it took to get there. We took a taxi down to the grotto which was a blast with the driver hauling ass and blasting electronic dance music. I loved the open air feeling of the cab (the taxis in Capri literally have their roofs chopped off). When we got to the grotto we got right in line and the wait wasnt too bad. We boarded a tiny raft that barely fit the four of us and had to duck to get through the entrance to the cave.
Once inside I was astonished that this place was created by NATURE. It was absolutely gorgeous; I just wanted to spend hours swimming around there but I guess that would be pretty dangerous given the fluctuating tides. Even though we were in for a brief moment, I know this and my mental image will stay with me forever
One of the tiny rowboats and the driver.
By the time we got out of the grotto and back to Anacapri our time was quickly running out so we booked it and took 2 buses to get back to the Marina Grande as fast as we could. We had about a half hour to swim and it was the perfect way to relax and cool off after a busy day. The water was just as beautiful being in it as it looked.
Triumphant after doing everything we wanted to do that day.
It was hard leaving Capri; I think we all wanted to permanently move their but like many times throughout this weekend, we had to move on to new things. When we got back to Sorento we again had time on our own to have dinner and walk around. I went with a few girls to an American pub and although my dinner cost a lot, it was well worth it. I ordered a steak (the first one I have had since getting here) and damn it was good. While eating we checked out some locals (or they checked us out) who were there to watch the local Napoli soccer game. I couldnt believe how energized they were over it, definitely not something you see in the States unless it's the playoffs! Overall it was a relaxing evening and everybody was exhausted by the time we got back to the hotel.
The next day we got up and checked out of the hotel to head for Pompeii and back to Roma. At Pompeii we had a great guided tour of most of the city which was absolutely fascinating. I was shocked to see how well-preserved the city was despite the eruption. Their city was extremely sophisticated considering its old age; I loved learning about how their technology allowed for the city to house the 12,000 inhabitants that once lived there. We walked through an amazinly well preserved bathhouse that had a working steam system that heated the many rooms, rivaling what we have today. Pompeii really made me want to see more ancient ruins throughout the Mediterranean given my interet in history, architecture, and art.
Ancient Main Street.
Didnt make it out in time.
The main forum, with Mt. Vesuvius as the backdrop.
Despite the spectacular weekend, the bus ride home could not have been much worse. It was extremely hot and uncomfortable and worst of all, I somehow left my camera under the seat in our rush to get off. Although that was devastating in itself, Im trying to not let that ruin my weekend experience. Thankfully, plenty of others took pictures to fulfill this blog.
To end on a high note, I am eccstatic that I was able to do all this in just my second weekend abroad. I truly recommend coming to visit these places, there just isnt anything quite like it. And if you do, let me know and I can join you so I can see it at least one more time!
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