Pompeii, Sorrento Capri, & Naples - A Bit of Southern Flavor

Our last class trip took us to Southern Italy, so that we could get a taste of the culture difference there. Just like in the southern states in the US, the southern Italians have a strong sense of regional identity, their own slang words, their own rich history and, of course, their own special cuisine.

 

Pompeii- This is where that rich history piece comes in. Wow Pompeii was like a blast to the past! Basically in 79AD Mt. Vesuvius exploded covering miles of southern Italy in ash. Though the towns were abandoned, the ash protected the ancient ruins and now cities like Pompeii an Herculaneum provide the most archeological evidence of the daily life of an ancient Roman citizen.

Incredibly detailed floor mosaic in a Pompeiian Villa

The Ampitheater of Pompeii

A Pompeii Fast Food Stand

Sorrento- If you are planning your honeymoon anytime soon, please consider Sorrento. We had the most breathtaking view from our hotel balcony of the Italian coast, with little ships coming in to dock and the city lights on the shore and the beautiful blue waters that lead right to Mt. Vesuvius.

Capri- A beautiful little Italian island with the bluest waters flowing into little caves on the hillsides. We had a great time seeing the little city Anacapri and taking a very sweaty hike to this beautiful little arch in a rock. Along the walk a man named Lot who was exploring alone decided to join us for the rest of the day.  The highlight of the day was a little private boat trip around the island. We saw gorgeous little caves around the island, many jellyfish in the water, cool stalactites and stalagmites (one that looked like the virgin Mary), and even little fishermen who nestled themselves into random niches of rock around the island.  Sarah and Delany even got to navigate for a bit as the sun set over the island.

The gorgeous coast of Capri

It could not be more beautiful 

Our Master and Commander Sarah

Naples- Basically all we did in Naples was eat pizza. Well first we went to the museum, which actually had some incredible Caravaggios, and to the park outside it, filled with cute Italian kids playing. Then pizza! The pizza in Napoli is known as the best pizza in the world. I got a Capricosa (mushroom, procuito, artichoke, mozzarella, egg) and it was incredible. They char the crust just a bit on both sides for a crispiness that really complements the juicy toppings!

Napolini Pizza

Dancing with Victoria in a ball room in the Naples Museum