To Vietri...Amalfi...Sorrento...Pompeii and everywhere in between

This morning I woke up before my alarm, but I had gotten almost 8 hours of sleep, so I was okay with it!  I played around on facebook, read some other blogs, and just relaxed.  Virginia and Franco are supposed to be picking me up at 11.  I eventually started getting ready, make up, etc.  I was talking to Nick, and/or he was playing the guitar on the phone.  I also went to the bank to get some money to take with me.  I am not happy about having to take money from my American account again,  but the Fulbright money did not actually go through when it was supposed to!  However, my momma did tell me last night that my computer had been released from customs, so that was good!  She found out by using the tracking number, but of course the girl never responded to my two other emails where I tried to confirm that the paperwork was correct.  Let's hear it for Italy...not!

I talked to Nick while I waited, but Virginia and Franco did not get here until noon because she had issues with the lady who watches her mom.  We were just on Italian time, and I was okay with that!  When they did arrive, we were off to Vietri, and I was so excited.

So, as I expected, Virginia said that we would have to speak in Italian because Franco does not speak English.  I was excited that I was able to swim in the language and Virginia helped me out.  It was good though; she never made me feel bad for not being able to come up with the word, and even helped me out with remembering a tense that I hate...so, it was good!  We talked about children's songs and she had me sing "6 Little Ducks"!!  We talked a little bit about Italian children's stories and books.  Virginia said that I should write a book about my travels...seems that everyone agrees on this.  If anyone wants to help me do this or is connected to someone who can help me, then I am open to doing so.  She taught me that "mo" means adesso or ora (now) in southern dialect.  I really did swim in the language, and it was nowhere near perfect, but I did okay.  She asked me about what my parents did for a living, and was a little confused by my daddy having been a mortician.  She said that they do not have the equivalent of that here.  I'm thinking that she never fully understood me.  At one point we went over what is apparently the second highest bridge in Europe.  The amazing that was that I did not even know that we were on a bridge until Franco told me this.

Meanwhile, we were already seeing amazing things.  There were times it looked like we were going to drive straight into a mountain, but then the road would turn and we would go near the mountain or through a tunnel.  It was just breathtaking.  We left the region of Calabria, crossed into Basilicata, and then into Campania.  I have now been to 5 regions of Italy.  We eventually stopped to get a "snack", which was actually a sandwich.  Mine had had, lettuce, tomato, and cheese on it.  They heated it up and it was amazing!   One thing I love about Italy is that even when the food is simple, it is still good.  So, they had coffee, we used the bathroom, and we were off.

It had begun to sprinkle and as we were pulling out of the gas station, I spotted the most BEAUTIFUL rainbow.  The pictures I have do not do it justice, but it was gorgeous.  We were also in awe that as we left the gas station, and thus our perspective changed, the rainbow was a PERFECT arch over a mountain.  God was just showing off I think!

So, after the lunch stop, things were pretty quiet in the car as we just relaxed and enjoyed the ride.  Before I could even fully get relaxed, Virginia started telling me that we were approaching Salerno.  I was so excited. I immediately sat up straight and started looking out the windows, and I even changed sides of the car so that I could see EVERYTHING!!  I just started thanking God for such an amazing opportunity!! I feel so fortunate to have had so many dreams come true!  This was just another on the list, but a wonderful one.  Franco accidentally took the wrong road when we were trying to get to the hotel, so we had to drive a bit further and turn around.  There are very few places to get off of the Autostrada, so it took a few minutes.  Then, we had to pay a poll TWICE...4 euros in a matter of 2 minutes just to get back to where we were supposed to be going.  However, we arrived not too long after that.

Franco dropped us off and went to park the car.  Virginia took me to the place near the parking to get a good view of the water.

My first spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast.  We then went to check in and go to our rooms.  The hotel was very nice looking.  It is built into the side of the mountain.  So, we had to go down to get to the rooms.  There was beautiful tile everywhere; tile that is made in this area.  Then, when we went into my room, I put my stuff down and Virginia urged me to open the curtains.  I WAS AWESTRUCK...I think I literally jumped up and down a few times when I saw the spectacular view.  I could not believe my eyes, and they were so excited that I was so excited.  it was just too gorgeous.

When they left to go get ready for the evening, the FIRST thing I did was whip out my camera and take some pictures from my balcony! SORRY GUYS...BLOGGER REFUSES TO TURN THEM THE CORRECT WAY!!

Sky on bottom...ocean on top

I could not believe that this was my life.  I could not believe that I was staying in a room with this view.  The second thing I did was call my momma to freak out with someone!!  I just could not believe that I was so lucky.  So, we talked for a bit, and then I went to change clothes and get ready for the night.    I talked to Nick, took some more pictures, and I was ready just in time for Virginia to knock on my door.

We had a wonderful evening.  Cocktail hour was more like punch and weird sandwich things, but the juice (punch) was this really good orange stuff.  First we had to sign in and get this bad that had a gift in it; I later found out that the gift was a nice planner.  I felt a little like a lost puppy dog because Virginia knew everyone and some people were speaking Italian and others English.  I felt like I met so many people.  I met one girl who is Italian, but lives in Dublin; she was really sweet.  I talked to Franco some, which means he talked and I tried desperately to understand.  I did finally spot a guy named Ben.  Ben saw me and Virginia standing there and so he came over to talk.  I could tell by his name tag that he was not Italian and probably did not speak Italian, which he did not.  He works for the schools in England, primarily London.  He started talking to us about his schools and the fact that he is from Edinburgh.  The three of us had a healthy debate about the #1 city in the world, which is of course New York City.  Virginia swears it is Rome.  Ben says it is his hometown.  They're both wrong clearly!

So then he started telling us more about his schools.  Then, he blew my mind.  He said, "you know, our schools are unique this year because we just signed an exclusive contract with Warner Bros!"  OH MY GOSH...at this point I knew he was about to say something about the Harry Potter studio thing that my friend Jen went to.  AND THEN HE DID...so their exclusive contract means that the last day of each 2 week study tour is spent at the Warner Bros. studios where they have set up the original sets and such from the Harry Potter movies.  I definitely jumped up and down a little bit and could not stop smiling and getting excited.  Virginia was laughing at me, but I was so excited and instantly knew that THIS is where I MUST take my students.  I would be beside myself, and already kind of was when he was talking about it.

Then we sat down and I started talking to this lady from Cosenza.  She was super nice and she put me in contact with her daughter who lives here and goes to the university.  She even called her daughter and had me talk to her.  I thought that was so sweet, and I am looking forward to meeting some people my age.  This lady, Loredana, had on a dress with houndstooth on it, so instantly I liked her anyway!  No really, she was very sweet and very interested in what I was doing here in Cosenza.  She also asked if one day I would be willing to come speak to her students; I told her that I would definitely be willing to do so, and we would work something out for after Christmas for sure!  I was so excited to be meeting new people.

Then, I ran into Ben and one of the other guys from the schools and started talking to them for a few minutes.  We talked football, and they had actually seen some of the college games from last week.  THey did see Bama lose, but I explained that we WOULD be back, and we ARE still the best.  I am trying to make Alabama fans around the world!!  Soon after this, it was time to head downstairs for the presentation of information about the Heritage company (the company that organizes the trips to the English speaking schools.  Prior to it starting, I was talking to Loredana's husband.  He started telling me that I MUST meet his daughter and I must come to their house for dinner.  He started telling her that, and she said, "ooh, I've already taken care of that and she has spoken to Francesca (daughter)!!!"  I love the Italians...so quick to be hospitable and welcoming.  He was so cute and kept apologizing for his English.  It is amazing how well I can understand broken English and never skip a beat in responding to it.  It is rather difficult to simplify my English sometimes, and I do not even have a super elaborate vocabulary like some people I know.

The whole presentation was in Italian, and so despite catching bits and pieces, it was mostly lost on me.  The guy speaking, Matteo also had a raspy voice and combined with the defective microphone, there was no hope.  I understood when he was talking about the US, and Virginia translated the important stuff for me.  This program is cheaper than others....and in some places (in the US) 8 students have to share a bathroom....these were two of the main things I took away from it.

Once it was over, we headed straight to Ben's table because Virginia really wants to go to London, as do I!  So, we talked to him, got information, and I left the table beside myself.  I really want to go to the program that is in the heart of London.  I am set on this...must convince Virginia that it is the ONLY option.  SO, then we waited on dinner.  While we were talking, Virginia asked me about some of the differences between the students at Fermi and Valentini.  I explained that it is different by class.  I explained that the respect for the teachers is much different and that in my high school, some of the things that the students do or say would NEVER be acceptable.  I am just trying to picture what Ms. Baker would do to some of these students...or goodness help them, Mrs. Eggerman (elementary school).  I explained that I am sure there are similar situations in the U.S., but it was not like that at my high school (at least not when I was there).  Ms. Baker, if you are reading this, could you come out of retirement and come whip them into shape!  I promise you can also see a good bit of Italy as well!!!  While you're at it, bring Coach Edwards with you?!?!?  We also revisted the topic of NYC vs. Rome.  I still say I win.  Virginia told me that she has never been to the United States and that I would be the reason she would visit.  UMM HELLO... YOu must visit NYC and then come to a football at The University of Alabma if you would like the full American experience...dont you all think so???  So, I hope that Virginia will come visit!  I'd love to show her around and have her meet my friends and see things.  Virginia also told me during this time that she thinks I work too hard.  Umm...no!

Franco and Virginia before dinner

Soon after, it was time for dinner.  Virginia was so sweet to take my picture in the room. 

We sat at a fun table!!  The people were so nice and entertaining.  Even when we discovered that the ENTIRE  menu was fish, they got it changed quickly for me!! I was so grateful.  We had wonderful food, and Ill just let the pictures describe it for me! Actually, the only pics I took were of my meat and potatoes because it felt so American and the dessert...but here you are:

It was a long Italian dinner as usual.  The wine was good, and the man playing the piano had wonderful song choices.  My favorite was when he was playing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and I was thinking of the rainbow we saw earlier.  I was also thinking of how I feel like I am living in Oz at the moment...but always, always, always, there is no place like home.  So, I LOVE living over the rainbow, but I still know where my roots are planted.  "You can have roots AND wings!!"  One lady that was sitting with us, and was HILARIOUS speaks Italian, Spanish, and English. She lived in Argentina for like 8 years, and she was so much fun, but super attached to her iPhone.  At dinner, they ALWAYS served the women first, which I loved....just the idea that they were being so polite.  I also spotted Virginia's super cute Fendi purse while we were eating.  Dinner did not start until 8ish, and we left the dinning room around 11:30...Italian time people...it IS a real thing!!!

So, when they all left to go to the bar for coffee, I went back to the room to get ready for bed.  We were supposed to leave pretty early in the morning to get to mass in Pompeii.  So, I went back to the room and talked to my momma, Nick, got ready for bed, and cracked my door (well, it did this thing where it could open like a door OR a window...so I did it like a window), and I went to sleep to the sound of the Italian waves crashing on the beach!!  Oh, and I could use wifi on my phone, so I could see facebook and such.  More importantly though, the waves on the beach!!

The next morning we went to breakfast, and it was great.  They actually had eggs, and while I would never eat eggs from a hotel, these were REAL eggs.  So, I had some eggs, yogurt, tostate, and half of a peach.  It was a really good breakfast.  Virginia was in a hurry at first, but in true Italian style, we changed our plans because people kept coming down for breakfast and she wanted to stay to talk.  Franco had to tell Virginia to relax and just enjoy the day.  So, we stayed like an hour longer.  It was really hard to get Virginia out of there, and Franco told me that he thinks Virginia talks to much!  It really was fun though!  I was a little lost in some of the Italian, but it was good!!  I talked to Loredana some before we left.  Matteo, guy that owns Heritage, helped us plan our day.  So, they decided that we were going to drive the Amalfi Coast Highway and then go to Mass in Pompeii at the end of the day.  One of the men that we sat with at dinner last night and this morning at breakfast, told me that every morning he gets his wife coffee and picks a flower from their garden and takes them to his wife while she is still in bed.  He told me this when she called while we were at breakfast; they have been married almost 40 years.  I thought that was the sweetest story!!   Other note:  the Italian women really like to pet me.  Virginia likes to stroke my face a lot (at dinner last night), and then the women were doing it to me this morning.  They pet me and tell me how pretty I am and how young I look.  It is so incredibly sweet, but so different than the US.  However, it is rather endearing, and speaks to the touch love language.

So, with our new plan in place, we ran to our rooms, brushed our teeth, gathered our things, and checked out of the hotel.  I was a bit sad to leave the wonderful view, but so happy to be heading to the Amalfi Coast.  From the beginning this was a CURVY drive...and it was hairpin turns with mountains/cliffs less than 2 feet away from the car, with Italian drivers for the ENTIRE 40 kilometers that we drove. Not for the weak stomachs...or car sick people!!!

IT WAS AMAZING THOUGH!!!!!!!!!  Virginia promised that we would stop often and take pictures, which we did!!  The word of the day was, "GUARDA!!!!!!" This means, "LOOK!!!"  Bellissima, bella, sono senza parole, were all other phrases used!!  I cannot even put words to the things I saw!  Franco was so cute saying, "Guarda Ely, guarda!!!"  Ely or Eli is how the Italians shorten my name, which they do to a lot of names (e.g. Virgi veergee is short for Virginia, and Fra frah is short for Franco).  Mine sounds like ehlee.  I do really like it...and they all do it (a few days later, the daughter of the lady in Cosenza sent me a text and addressed me as "Ely").   Anyway, I really do not have much to say about the trip because I was just so speechless the whole time.  THe cliffs were amazing and the water was the most gorgeous color of blue and green that I have ever seen.   We stopped often and Virginia was always so sweet to take my picture.  We saw caves, citiies, water, beaches, cliffs, and more.  We drove the entire Amalfi coast; something I have always DREAMED of doing!!!  I felt like the luckiest girl in the world!!  We saw a nativity being set up in one of the cliffs...we drove through tunnels...down curvy scary roads...cars passed us on these roads...it was just the most incredible drive.

My first picture

Franco and Virginia

Me and Franco

They were even kind enough to stop for me to put my feet in the water.  Thank goodness for dancers tights that pull up over my feet!!  I collected 2 rocks because they reminded me of the stones from the movie, "Something's Gotta Give" and I thought of Erin.  I was longing for Erin to be there because I know how much she loves the beach!

We stopped in the city of Amalfi and saw the Duomo...GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!

Cities along the Amalfi coast were already starting to put up decorations for Christmas.  In Amalfi, I bought Erin what I believe to be the most wonderful and PERFECT gift.  I thought only of her and knew that I could NOT leave Amalfi without buying it for her!!  WHen we were reaching Positano, I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest.  I was so excited, and I hope to one day return there to explore the town!  When we reached the end, we crossed the peninsula to Sorrento.

We started in Vietri (far right near Salerno) and crossed to Sorrento (far left).  We would later drive to Pompeii

At one point, we could see the water on BOTH sides of the peninsula.  It was amazing!! I could not believe my eyes!!  Virginia promised me the world's most famous pizza in Sorrento because we had now entered the area where it was created.  We arrive in Sorrento after ANOTHER scenic drive.  We parked in a parking garage and headed to the central piazza.  THEY WERE PUTTING THEIR CHRISTMAS TREE UP, and one street was lined with wreaths at the top.  We ordered pizzas, used their CLEAN restrooms, and then enjoyed our lunch.  It was AMAZING!! Virginia offered to take pictures of me eating my first REAL Italian pizza...how did she know that I love pictures??

7 hours after breakfast...I think I did a good job!!

Blogger strikes again...but you get the point

The pizza was so good...the bread is a little salty for my taste, but it was so so so good!!  I could not be Italian and cut mine for every bite.  I had to cut and hold to eat because I was struggling to cut it in the first place.  Lunch was so good and it was nice to be sitting somewhere other than the car!!!  Lunch finished with lemoncello crema (this restraunt brought lemoncello OR lemoncello crema to everyone after their meal...not a bad deal!!).  It was soo smooth and good. We left Sorrento right after lunch so that we could make it to mass in Pompeii. Oh, and I also received my very first Italian to go box...I am amazed that they actually have them...shock....

A few times they had pointed out that we could see Naples and Mt. Vesuvius in the distance.  Mt. Vesuvius is HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!  So, on our way to Pompeii we could see it even better.  We parked and went into the church.  It was amazing!! Simply breath taking.  We decided we did have time to stay for Mass, adn I learned some interesting things about the Catholic church and Virginia's faith!  Even though I had NO IDEA what was going on because it was all in Italian, it was nice.  THe only thing I understood was, "e anche con te", which means "and also with you".  Virginia did at least translate when they were shaking hands and saying "peace be with you".  While I may not be Catholic, I did enjoy staying for Mass.  I am learning so much about the Roman Catholic church these days.  Virginia left flowers for Mary, and while they took communion I went to the bathroom.  I am a Christian, but not allowed to take communion in the catholic church, at least not in the US, so I assumed not in Italy.

WHen we left church, Virginia and I ran to get some pastries from her favorite place in Pompeii.  She bought one for me to try, and it was amazing. These thin layers of crispy pastry with a sweet bread of some sort inside!!

Then we headed home.  I slept some.  I talked to Nick through text until my phone died.  I talked to Virginia some.  She tried to get me to sing...umm...no ma'am!  It was interesting that all of this time in the car and they did not turn on the radio ONCE!! I was also excited that for the entire 3 hour drive, I did NOT have to stop and go to the bathroom.  You may find it strange that I would mention this, but those who really know me, know that this is SUPER impressive!!!  When we arrived back in Cosenza, we dropped Franco off at their house, I saw their dog, and then Virginia brought me home!!  She was so sweet to hug me and gave me a kiss on the forehead!! I tried to thank her properly for this amazing opportunity, but it is impossible.  She told me that she loved me and she was happy to do this for me, and that my smile and excitement were enough thanks for her!

When I got home I talked to my momma and daddy on skype.  I EVEN GOT TO TALK TO MY CHILI PUP!!!!!! I miss my dog...and he misses me too I think!  He is so handsome...I want to SQUEEEEEEZE him!!  I was able to talk to April on skype some, and then Nick on the phone.  I went to bed a VERY happy girl!

*As I write this, I am just at a loss for words regarding this opportunity.  The reason we went to Vietri was for the meeting about taking students abroad for two weeks in the summer.  So, in July (starting on July 14th or 15th) I will be traveling to either London or somewhere close by with a group of my students.  Yes, this means I will be changing my flight until the end of July, and yes I will have to extend my visa and stuff.  We will be sightseeing, they will take class, and I will apparently be getting paid to do this.  I feel so blessed, and while I do not know where this journey is taking me, I am enjoying the ride!  The Amalfi Coast is beyond amazing.  I just kept thanking God the whole time and telling Him how beautiful His creation is!  I mean, how could something so beautiful just come from a big bang?? No my friends, these things MUST come from a God who is an artist.  Forget Michelangelo and the others...God is the greatest artist there is!  I feel so fortunate to have seen these things and to have marked some of the TOP places on my "to see list" off (you can see the list on the right hand side of my blog where it has links to other blogs...the other places/recipes link).  I am so grateful to Virginia and Franco who orchestrated this dream come true!  THey were so kind to stop and take pictures and to share in my excitement!!  I am sorry that I was not more descriptive, but I truly was at a loss for words most of the time.  God is so good to me...and I am so undeserving!!

**For additional pictures, because there were WAY too many for this blog...see Facebook!!