Pompeii and Naples

So Sunday on our trip we went to Pompeii and Naples. I wasn't expecting Pompeii to be so large. It was weird thinking that the city was completely covered. It didn't look like it. Afterwards, we went to Naples for lunch. After walking a far way, we stumbled upon a little local place (actually we asked if there was a pizzeria nearby). The pizza was delicious and cheap. Loved it. We walked along the water. So many people were out--I think there was a festival going on. As we headed back to Rome, I was glad to go back and end this trip.

delicious pizza right here

Naples

Capri for the Day

Saturday, we took the ferry from Sorrento to Capri. It was gorgeous. It reminded me a bit of Neverland or that island in Spy Kids. I'll break down the island like this: there are two towns, Capri and Anacapri, and there are two ports, Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. The four places sort of make a "t" shape. We arrived at Marina Grande, took the funicular to Capri, and then took the bus to Anacapri. We walked around Anacapri and then headed to the chairlift to take us to the top. We were in a cloud up there, which was very cool.

Marina Grande

Anacapri

from the top

Then it was time to head back down. I decided to save 2.50 euro and walk down. It wasn't because of the money--I really wanted to hike down. It was well worth it. I had plenty of time to think and enjoy nature. I came to a fork in the path and didn't know which way to go but I figured it out. At the bottom, I took the bus to Capri and met up with my friends. They decided to go on a boat tour of the island but I had to pass--I wanted to explore the island on my feet. I walked and walked, saw the neighborhoods, went down to Marina Piccola, got a sandwich, and finished up at Marina Grande. I sat on the stoney beach until my friends returned. We relaxed at the beach until our ferry left. Funny story. I was feeling reckless and adventurous (probably from my hike earlier), so I took off my shoes and went into the sea. I wanted to climb on this rock so I started to and then I slipped. My whole backside was drenched. It was shocking but very funny.

Stations of the Cross lined the trail

Neverland?

uhhhh...

to Marina Piccola

Mt. Vesuvius in the distance

"Don't drive your car into the water."

Bye Capri!

We returned to Sorrento for dinner at the hotel. The dessert was nasty so we went out for gelato. I was so tired from all my walking that I went to bed super early.

Mount Vesuvius

So Friday, we went to Mount Vesuvius. We drove up the volcano and walked about 30 minutes to the top. I don't know what I expected but it was pretty much just a big hole. A bit of a let-down. I really wanted to see lava or something. We could see Naples and the bay and the coast. We ate lunch at the top and hurried back down to get the bus to Sorrento where we were staying. Our hotel was a little out of main street Sorrento (but Sorrento was so small that it didn't matter). We walked around a bit before dinner with the whole group.

no lava

Bay of Naples

view from our hotel room

Sorrento

Quick Glance at Amalfi Weekend

Just spent the last three days exploring the Amalfi Coast: Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, and Naples. I saw so much and experienced many things that I can't tell you all about it now. I have to do some work--it is called "study" abroad after all. But I promise tomorrow there will be a recap. But for now, drool over these gorgeous pictures and the vibrant colors.

in Sorrento, looking at Mount Vesuvius

Capri

on top of the mountain in Capri