I want to live on a Ferry

No, really - I do. (beware - there are plenty)

So, the sun rises in Florence beginning just before seven in the morning. I discovered this Friday morning while sitting in the train station wondering whether or not they were kidding about how serious it was that we arrive at 6 since it was approaching seven and we hadn't moved from the meeting spot. Fortunately we did finally get on a bus and pull out of Florence for Amalfi, but it wouldn't be Italy if we didn't make about 300 stops along the way including two unexplanable ones, where we all sat on the bus and watched our chain smoking guide from Cinque Terre take a smoke break. Honestly, I think at least one of those stops was specifically for that.

I think I sound cynical, but really, it was just funny. Italians are rarely rushed. So, we then stopped in Naples too, just to see the sea and let a few people get their wallets stolen. Seriously, that place is sketchy. We hadn't been out of the bus for two minutes and someone had already gotten pickpocketed. Thankfully, it wasn't me, but I still felt really bad for the girl. At least, now I can say I went to Napoli, but I don't think I'd ever return.

The Amalfi Coast, on the otherhand, was splendid. I don't know that I have ever seen water so blue and skies so clear. Being outside the city and near the sea was completely refreshing. We drove up and onto these winding roads and suddenly we were overlooking the most beautiful sea. We drove along there for 30 minutes or more (probably more) and I just sat and stared at the sea. I stared partly because it was so gorgeous and partly because I had to do something to keep my mind off of the thought that our bus wasn't going to make it around the next winding turn. Scary. But we made it.

The next day was filled with ferry rides and chillin' in Capri. I love ferries I decided. They are fantastic. The breeze, the scenery. I think I could've gone all the way there just to ride the ferry around the island, to and from little coastal towns. Actually, on our way to Capri that morning, the ferry made a pick-up at Positano, which is another town in Under the Tuscan Sun. I mean, Capri was great, Amalfi was great that evening (I bought limoncello), but the ferry I loved. I know that sounds insane, but it was relaxing and beautiful out there, and it was great to just be able to rest and enjoy.

So, then Sunday we went to Pompeii. We had a crazy guide. She was hilarious. She kept referring to us as "you who stay in Florence." It was great. And more importantly, I got to see the city that I always heard so much about from Mrs. Clark-Brown. My High School Latin Class came to life before my eyes in the form of columns and volcanic rock. Crazy.

Last night I made Foccacia Bread.