MY TOP 5 ITALY PICKS

Italy is a magnificent country that should be on everyone's bucket list. The Amalfi Coast is pure magic, and you will feel like you stepped into a postcard upon arriving. Rome and the Ruins of Pompeii gave me goosebumps. The history and architecture were astounding, and I felt like I had time traveled to a different century.

1) The Colosseum - This photo depicts my initial reaction when I laid eyes on this notable amphitheater (I couldn't move).

 

2) Ristorante O'Parrucchiano in Sorrento - An eatery so perfect I dined there twice in two days because of the mouthwatering food, impeccable service, and captivating outdoor garden seating area. http://bit.ly/1G9P3h5

 

 

3) Positano - Words cannot begin to describe the breathtaking allure this pastel colored village offers, so I will let the photos do the talking.

4) Trevi Fountain - You will be mesmerized as soon as you lay eyes on this treasure.

5) Ruins of Pompeii - Spend an entire day trying to imagine what once was.

I wouldn't recommend the city bus (SITA) ride along the Amalfi Coast for the faint-hearted like myself; however, it was an experience that I don't regret.
 

A quaint Italian village and Pompeii

During the second leg of my trip to Italy, I stayed in a quaint little town called Castellammare di Stabia.  Why there you ask?  Honestly, I had never heard of it before and what sold me was an airbnb profile.  It looked so beautiful and the host had such fantastic reviews, I couldn't resist; and, who doesn't want their own apartment in Italy? 

It's also centrally located and easily accessible to the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento, two places I had planned to visit.  I highly recommend staying here - https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/526607.

Staying in Castellammare di Stabia will give you a real flavor of what it's like to be a local, as it's a small community with people out and about everywhere.  When I wasn't traveling around on the train, I was eating and drinking wine.  The opportunities for delectable pizza and gelato are endless along Via Guiseppe Bonito.

A few of my favorite things

 

The best place for wine  

There is also an Irish pub in the neighborhood called Maracana.  The pub offers a great selection of brews, food and live music.  My favorite hang out, though, was a wine bar called Enoteca Vineria Puopolo.  The owners are so friendly and really know their wine.  

It's a cool place to chill and perhaps meet a person, or two, from the U.S.  I met several people from different states here one night.  They were studying abroad and staying in Castellammare di Stabia.  Such a small world we live in....

Wanted to take this pottery home

My day trip to the Ruins of Pompeii was unforgettable!  What a fascinating place to explore and try to imagine what once was.  I suggest wearing good, durable walking shoes or boots and plan on spending an entire day there.  I don't think I grew weary even once from walking around, because it's so interesting and beautiful.

The intact structures are amazing

A gorgeous setting at the ruins

My next post about Italy will include the last part of my journey, which was Sorrento and the dreamy Amalfi Coast.  Stay tuned and ciao!

I conquered the ruins in my fave t-shirt!