Rome via Brooklyn

DOUBLE POST

After a weekend exploring Naples, Pompeii, and Herculaneum, I decided it was time to slow things down. I had been moving non-stop and felt like I needed a break. Last weekend, Moussa and I scoured four cities in just two days. This weekend, I knew I wanted something different. I wanted to see more of southern Italy but at a slower pace. So we planned a short escape from the chaos and looked for a place where we could relax and enjoy the coast.

We made our way from Pompeii to Sorrento and then traveled to a small town called Castellammare di Stabia, which is tucked between Sorrento and Naples. This town felt completely local. I noticed right away that no one there spoke a word of English which I found fascinating. I enjoy being in places where I can live like a local and not just feel like another tourist. Getting away from Rome gave me a better idea of how everyday Italians live.

Our apartment in Castellammare was at the top of a steep hill, and it took about twenty minutes to walk up from the main street. It was a hike, but the view from the top and the quiet of the neighborhood made it worth it. Everyone in the town seemed warm and welcoming. I remember going to a small pizza spot and talking to the man who was making my food. He started teaching me some Italian words, and I helped him with his English. It felt like a real exchange of cultures, and it reminded me of how fun and simple connections with strangers can be when you are open to them.

The next morning, Joe and I headed to Sorrento to catch a ferry to Capri. The boat ride itself was amazing. Watching the mountainous island of Capri grow closer with every wave was something special. There was something peaceful about being out on the water and seeing land in the distance. It was a short twenty minute journey, but one filled with beauty.

Once we got to Capri, we started looking for a beach. We found one, but the path to get there was a hike that felt like it would never end. We kept walking, unsure how much longer it would take, but we kept going anyway. And when we finally made it, the view made everything worth it. The crystal blue water was so clear that you could see fish swimming near the rocks. The beach was rocky but beautiful, and boats floated in the distance like small dots on a blue canvas. It was a picture I will keep in my mind for some time.

After relaxing at the beach, we walked to a nearby restaurant for some seafood. I ordered a gnocchi and mussel plate that was fresh. Eating seafood right by the water just felt right. We finished the day with the famous lemon ice cream from Capri. I do not know how else to put it but the ice cream in Italy keeps getting better every time. It was the perfect ending to a day that already felt unreal.

Capri was not just beautiful, it was calming. It helped me take a breath after days of running around cities and museums. The views, the food, the water, and the people all added to an experience I will never forget. I would definitely go back to Capri, and next time, I might stay even longer. Unfortunately, this was our last weekend which means no more overnight adventures, but I would definitely come back to Italy someday and reminisce about everything I had done when I was once here.