Sorrento

This town overlooking the bay of Naples really surprise me! Sorrento was named after mythologic greek “sirens” it is known for the best lemons in the world and apparently Sophia Loren filmed a movie on its beautiful Marina in 1955 called “Scandal in Sorrento”. Beyond all that, the location of Sorrento has views all over the place that you will only get by walking its narrow streets.

At this time we had the opportunity to stay in a beautiful state called Artis Domus Hotel & Spa, I can’t describe how nice and candid they were during our visit, this hotel has outstanding accommodations and amenities. The solarium and pool area are exquisite, plus it counts with an outdoor restaurant and spa.

The first day we walked the town, sightsee some highlights of the city (the doors of most of the buildings drag my attention) we visited some street shops and went over Marina Grande (were the famous Sophia Loren film was made) we got amazed by the ocean sunset and a plate full of garlic roasted seafood . Back in town, we found a delicious coffee shop called Monalissa where you can find natural juices, smoothies and all kind of fine pastries, you could imagine how a 6 month pregnant woman felt there…It was like dessert kingdom, plus that place was really cute (everything was so pink and lilac and the presentation of the juices and desserts was so meticulously designed)

On our second day, we took a ride around 15 min from the center to visit Reginna Giovanna Bath (Bagni Regina Giovanna) from where we leave the ride there is an additional 15min walk/hike to get to the cliff. Rumor has it Queen of Naples in the 14 century, Giovanna D’Anjou used this natural ocean pool shaped like a diamond and hide in the cliffside to bath in privacy with her young lovers… (I mean, maybe this one was a cousin of Marie Antoinette).

Pompeii

On our way out from sorrento we couldn’t leave without visiting Pompei. It is only like 20 min on train from sorrento train station and it has a stop that goes directly into Pompei Archeological Site. There is this feeling of loss as soon as you enter to the ruins. First, there is a presentation at the visitor/museum center where you can get a preview of what Pompeii was and what happened to it (more or less we all know the story) so I am just going to mention some fun facts about my visit.

• Did you know more than city Pompeii was really a luxurious resort, where most wealthy romans had vacation homes since at the time Pompeii was by the ocean, the eruption of Vesuvius moved the city inland after all lava solidified and created new land.
• People of Pompeii didn’t know the mountain was really a volcano, apparently never erupted before.
• As a city resort, Pompeii count with a complex water system, gymnasium, port and amphiteather. There is also evidence of “more than a few” erotic establishments around the city.
• The entire city was very colorful, there were paintings everywhere or better called “frescoes” they were big fans of graffiti, the walls will have private messages, announcements I believe it was like the ancient newspaper.
• In 1972 the band Pink Floyd recorded a live performance in Pompeii’s Roman Amphitheater, the acoustics were amazing! wao what a privilege for rock history.

Finally, after a fascinating day in Pompeii looking at the buildings and streets, I am back to the train for my next destination Florence, which is about 3 hours (fast train Italo).