Hello friends,
I'm excited to share a spontaneous holiday with you today. The World Traveler had to be in Sorrento for an unexpected work conference, providing a good reason for me to join him. With just two weeks notice, this is one of our most memorable holiday's. Here are a few of the highlights and fun stories from our Italian holiday.
Getting There
We flew from NYC to Frankfurt to Naples with a few colleagues. After clearing customs and gathering our luggage, our driver told us he could not drive us to Sorrento. The union was on strike for the day and blocking the road.
Thankfully there is a ferry from Naples to Sorrento. As we pulled away from Naples we saw Pompeii, Capri, and the stunning cliffs Italy is known for - magical!
We exited the ferry only to learn we would have to walk to our hotel. A mile walk with luggage, climbing the cliffs to reach the road. Seeing Sorrento and our hotel was worth a long, and exciting, travel day.
Bellevue Syrene 1820
This is hands down my favorite hotel... ever. The rooms are amazing, spacious and unique in design. The hotel is steeped in history, and built on the cliff's looking toward Pompeii and Capri.
We had one night of mischievousness. It started with a late dinner, after dancing visit to a crepe bar (yes, they serve crepes and cocktails) for conversation. Not quite ready for bed, about twenty people had balcony party that led to watching the sunrise. Nights like this one don't happen often, especially with work colleagues.
A Slice of Sorrento
While Bill was speaking at a conference I had time to wander the streets of Sorrento. Sorrento is dreamy, with picturesque history and ancient architecture, a relaxed Italian culture with amazing food and limoncello. Lots of limoncello.
Below are photos of the Agruminato (a lemon and orange grove that is open to the public), views of cliffside public beaches, and paintings through the city. There is so much to see that I had to select just a few photos to share. I'm still dreaming of the pizza!
Pompeii
With another day of speaking events for Bill, I traveled by train with a friend to see Pompeii. The train provided a glimpse into local life. I wanted to take a few photos but it wasn't the right moment. Impoverished, dirty, and rundown.
We opted out of the English guided tour (a long wait), walking at our own pace. Imagining daily life and in awe of the team keeping this historical site intact. The knowledge to build a city with sanitation, painted walls, living spaces vs public areas. It's stunning!
Capri
Bill was able to join me on a day trip to Capri, barely. He was on conference calls in the morning and during the ferry ride from Sorrento to Capri (less than an hour).
Once at Capri, we explored the lower town before getting on a tour around the island, and to the Blue Grotto. If you get close enough to Capri, this is a must experience!
Sunset Boat
As we landed at the dock, back in Sorrento, we chartered a yacht to bring us to see Amalfi at sunset. Gathering a few friends for an impromptu night on the water. Wine, cheese, the sunset, and a dip into the Tyrrhenian Sea
We were laughing so much in this photo. Work colleagues strip down to underwear and jump in... the water was freezing but this photo is precious.
Amalfi Coast:
The next day we rented a scooter to see the countryside, and drive to Amalfi for lunch. Two hours of twisting roads, I held tightly to Bill's cell phone (GPS). I was able to give him notice to hairpin turns... it was thrilling and scary at times.
On our way back we almost ran out of petrol and had a flat tire! It was not all that comfortable of a ride for the passenger (me).
I loved this part of Italy so much that I daydream of moving there. ;)