Imagine looking into the distance and seeing a beautiful mountain range while stepping off of your flight to Naples, Italy. The crisp air kisses your face while the vibrant blue sky mesmerizes you. Picture yourself walking down a bustling street with a man tossing fresh dough in the window on your right, and two couples chatting over their tasty espresso shots to your left. Coming from Ohio, this was a major culture shock for me. I come from a small town where you either go to one of three restaurants or Target for fun. My trip to Italy opened my eyes to a new way of living that prioritizes socializing, relaxation, and delicious fresh foods.
One summer I was fortunate enough to travel to Rome to see its rich history, to the Amalfi Coast for some relaxation and fun, as well as Capri to experience its magical scenes and water. Although the American concept of Italy may be that everything is smaller there- the cars, coffee, (and even shorter people)- this is not the case when you see the real Italian landscapes and archaeological sites.
Rome holds the structures and traces from a history of the Roman Empire, such as the Colosseum, and the size of these structures will blow your mind! Approaching the Colosseum I could not believe that real people had inhabited it to be entertained by the courage and slaughter of gladiators. I could truly feel the high energy left here from this history, and I think it is a feeling that you must experience in person.
The Amalfi Coast runs along Southern Italy, holding beautiful mountains, beaches, and a very famous volcano, Mount Vesuvius. The energy here was so light and positive, and relaxation seemed to be at the core of day-to-day life. I appreciated the fresh seafood as well as the authentic pizza in Naples. The views from the Amalfi Coast are unbeatable with its astonishing proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the volcano. Visiting this area of Italy is also unique because it is home to Mount Vesuvius, the volcano famous for destroying the ancient city of Pompeii. There are many excursions offered in order to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, and to even hike up the volcano! It was an amazing experience, and as someone who loves photography it provided a perfect background. The Amalfi Coast is a location you must visit!
If you want a place that will spark your romantic side, Capri is the destination for you. Although I visited this mesmerizing island with my family, this is the ultimate location for a romantic getaway. The water allows your love to flow and the beautiful blues and pinks enhance your mindset almost immediately. I spent a couple days on a private boat that took us to remote locations around the island. Swimming under natural caves and soaking up the sun truly filled my heart. Similar to the Amalfi Coast, Capri provides some of the most mind blowing views. This place is unforgettable and definitely somewhere I want to visit again!
I highly recommend it to anyone who is considering a trip to Italy to follow through. This country holds so many different, yet fulfilling places to explore, and it will undoubtedly give you memories to last a lifetime.
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