Amalfi Coast

Pompeii

Cliff Jumping in Positano

Sandals in Capri

On Top of Mt. Solaro

Positano

This year I did not spend Easter at home with family, but in the Amalfi Coast with my amazing friends.  The stunning scenery, hill and harbor hugging towns, and historic ruins make Amalfi Coast a sight to see. Our weekend trip departed around 5PM on Thursday in hopes of avoiding the Easter traffic. Upon arrival we checked into our hostel and went straight to bed. We weren’t asleep for long when chanting and singing from the streets below woke us up. In Sorrento, Easter time is full of interesting Holy Week processions dating back to the ancient custom of Christian tradition. In the middle of the night between Thursday and Friday, a “White” procession in which the participants are in white hooded robes roam the streets. The following night a similar procession took place, but this time the marchers were adorned with black hooded robes. These processions were extremely disturbing and like nothing I had ever seen before.

Blue Grotto

            After an interrupted night sleep we departed for the nearby port at 8AM where we boarded our private boat and set sail for Capri. Upon arrival we transferred into smaller boats and sailed out to the Blue Grotto. The Blue Grotto is one of several sea caves that are flooded with a brilliant blue or emerald light. This sea cave on the cost of the island Capri has a small hole in the cave wall that is barely large enough to admit a tiny rowboat. In order to enter through the hole we all laid low pressing our bodies as close to the bottom of the boat as physically possible. Once inside the light from above the water opening created a dazzling effect when it hit the water. After, we continued around the island and explored the Green Grotto, the White Grotto, and the Tunnel of Love. We docked in Marina Piccolo and walked up Via Krupp to the Augustus’ Garden where we had great views of the island. Here some of my friends purchased cold lemon slush drinks topped with the juice from a freshly squeezed blood orange. It was beyond delicious. We then walked to Capri Town where we met our private transport to Anacapri. The prefix ana means “up” or “above” signifying that Anacapri is located at a higher elevation on the island than Capri. While here we enjoyed popping in and out of the small stores lining the cobblestone streets where we sampled Limoncello and chocolates. There was one shop in particular where custom-made sandals were created on spot for any interested girl who walked by. Just before leaving I took a ride up the chairlift to the top of Mt. Solaro to get a breathtaking 360 degree view going from the gulf of Naples to the gulf of Salerno, passing from the plain of Anacapri, the Sorrento peninsula, and Capri. At the end of the day our private boat departed from Marina Piccolo and returned us to Sorrento.

Mt. Vesuvius

Climbing Mt. Vesuvius

            Saturday morning we departed by bus to Positano. Positano is a small town on the Amalfi Coast and the main part of the city sits in an enclave in the hills leading down to the coast. The spectacular, scenic drive took approximately 45 minutes and hugs the coastline cliff face before depositing us high above Positano. After some photo opportunities, we walked to the black sand beaches through the remarkable cliff-hanging costal village. The sun and beach were the highlights of our day. My friends and I were extremely excited to bask in the sun and swim in the Mediterranean for the entire day, with no cares or worries to think about. In the afternoon the program organized a boat trip that took us on a coastal tour of Positano to cliff jump, cave swim, and capture great photos. The cliff jump ranged from 8-32 feet into the crystal clear deep Mediterranean water! Although I kept to the 8-10 foot one and NOT the 32 foot one (I know my mom would be happy about that), it was still a great experience.

Chairlift Up To Mt. Solaro

            Sunday morning we departed for Mt. Vesuvius. Mt. Vesuvius is the only active volcano in continental Europe. The climb up to the top, which took about 45 minutes, brought us to about 3,900 feet. While at the summit we and walked around the crater itself. From the summit we had panoramic views of the picturesque Bay of Naples from east to west. Peering down into the depths of the crater we saw plumes of steam issuing from the sleeping, but still active, volcano. Next we climbed back on the buses and drove off towards Pompeii. Here we wandered around the city admiring the gigantic lemons and oranges hanging from the numerous stands lining the streets. After a quick lunch we headed in to explore the actual ruins of Pompeii. The city of Pompeii is a partially buried Roman town near Naples. As many of you know, Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried during a long and catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mt. Vesuvius. Thanks to great excavation work tourists are provided with a detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. To my astonishment the city itself extended far beyond the size I originally anticipated. We wandered through the cobblestone streets looking into courtyards, altars, baths, houses, and even an amphitheater. After two hours of exploring the city we met our group and headed back to the hostel for an Easter dinner! It was odd not being home for Easter with my family, but it is a great experience to have celebrated Pasqua (Easter) in Italy!

Sandals in Capri

            Early Monday morning we checked out of our hostel and boarded the busses in order to reach Naples at a decent hour. I was excited to explore this region which is known for its rich history, art, culture, architecture – and of course pizza! To my disappointment, as we drove more into the city center, piles of trash on every street corner came into view. The Naples waste management crisis is a series of events surrounding the lack of waste collection in the city. The garbage crisis encompasses the worst Italian clichés: mismanagement, political interference, mafia profiteering and the ability of those responsible to deflect attention and the blame elsewhere. If it weren’t for enjoying a good pizza, the entire day would have been completely tainted due to the entire city drowning in garbage. Despite this, I am happy to say that I at least visited Naples for a few hours!

            This Easter weekend was one filled with emotions. My heart is at home right now and I missed my family a great deal throughout the entire weekend. Despite everything, I had an amazing experience and the opportunity to see the beautiful coastline of Italy, which I will never forget. 

Blue Grotto

Easter Parade in Sorrento

Positano

Pompeii

Pompeii

Boat Ride in Positano

Naples

Capri

Sorrento