Sorrento&Pompeii

Last weekend, I traveled to Sorrento and Pompeii to see the ancient ruins left after Mt. Vesuvius erupted. Sorrento is situated right on the coast and the views are breathtaking. The water and the sky were the perfect shade of blue. If I ever move to Italy, I will live on the coast. Can't take the beach away from the California girl.

We spent Saturday walking around the quaint little town of Sorrento, looking in shops, buying a few things, and wishing to buy a lot more. There were the most beautiful handmade music boxes, but the one I loved the most was more than 60 euro, so I had to settle for looking. Afterward we checked into our hotel (couldn't open our door, again, this seems to be a pattern) and headed to dinner, which of course was delicious. First, a plate of bruschetta, fries, and suppli (various fried rice balls). Then about 4 different kinds of pizza, one with fries on top, and finally, a chocolate cake and the most wonderful pineapple and kiwi. Let's say we were more than a little full. I'm glad everywhere I've traveled embraces fries as much I do. I think we should stop considering them so American, especially since the rest of the world does them better than we do.
Sunday we drove to Pompeii and explored the city's ruins. I could have spent the whole day wandering the ancient streets and imagining the opulent houses and busy streets. I could even see the ruts in the stone from the chariots. I would have loved to live in Pompeii way back when, minus the tragic volcanic eruption. There's another eruption due any time now, so hurry over before it's buried again. Maybe stop in Rome and say hi to me too. :)

Mt. Vesuvius and the view from our hotel.

Right at home in the Pompeii ruins.

Roman House in Pompeii. They were broken up into 2 parts, the atrium in the front with the pool (pictured) in the center that collected rain water, and the peristyle in the back, which was mostly gardens. All the rooms faced inward and the roof had a hole in the middle for light and air circulation since there were no windows. 

 

Fountain in front of St. Peter's Church. Going to a service on Sunday!

Top 3 Gelato Spots: Old Bridge by the Vatican, Frigidarium by Piazza Navona, and the gelato shop across from Accademia Italiana (name unknown)

Beautiful sunset on the way back from a wonderful afternoon of losing myself in Rome.

Dinner tonight. Definitely becoming my usual.

 The time is flying by! I can hardly believe I am ending my 6th week in Rome. There is still so much to see and areas I have yet to set foot into. I want to soak everything in and then have time to soak my favorites in again and again. Yesterday I promised myself solo adventures. My first adventure consisted of a street full of vintage shops, Haight-Ashbury Roman style perhaps?, browsing Italian music, stumbling upon some of the best gelato recommended by my Italian teacher, losing myself in the most charming little backstreets, and observing, observing, observing. My favorite part of being out alone is that I can pretend to be Italian. I keep my mouth shut and no one knows any better. Just walk with confidence and NEVER pull out a map. Now to learn how to respond when spoken to in Italian and practice my accent.