Thursday, July 9, 2015

Italian Holiday: Ravello

From Salerno we found our way to Ravello.
Where I fell in love.
Hard.
Every step through Villa Cimbrone was like walking deeper and deeper into a real-life fairytale.
 There were lush gardens and charming terraces at every turn.
 And selfies. Always selfies.
 Ravello, with it's quaint and quiet romance, completely stole my heart, and I'm pretty sure I'll have to go back to find it.

Italian Holiday: Salerno

After gathering ourselves post Pompeii, we drove to Salerno.
We spent the night in an adorable little hotel on the most amazing grounds (truth: the grounds were the most impressive part of any of our hotels...).

The next morning, after a grand breakfast (why don't we breakfast like the Italians???), we climbed our way through Castello di Arechi.
 Traveling with friends is never a bad idea.
 Just exploring a castle with my Prince Charming.
 The views were magnificent.
Gosh dang this place is pretty.
 After the castle, we toured the Salerno Duomo.
 The ceilings depicted each event in Christ's life. 
We stared and and stared until our necks became stiff.
 Salerno, you did not disappoint (even if you got baptism wrong).

Italian Holiday: Pompeii

Eager to not waste a single second, we drove straight from Naples to Pompeii.

We had no idea what to expect, but I don't think our jaws left the ground. 
 The attention to detail in every single crevice and corner was mesmerizing.
The craftmanship was expert by any standard.
The ingenuity was inspiring.
Humans are genius.
 And capable. 
And I think I would have really liked it here.
Pre-Ash.
Add this to the life-changing list.

Italian Holiday: Naples

Before Allen's 3 month sabbatical came to a close, we decided to sojourn to Italy.
Because, why not?

We jumped right in the second we landed.  Sleep be darned.  
We hopped in the rental (and by hopped, I mean, waited 90 minutes at the airport for everything to be figured out), and headed straight to Naples.
 We ate lunch.
Then, because Naples is the home of the Margherita, the boys ate pizza.
 Because, when in Naples....
We also stopped in Capella Sansevero to view the veiled Christ.
It was one of many life-changing experiences this country would have in store for us.
Buon giorno Italy.
You are good.