Naples: the last of my European adventures...for now!

Going to Naples, Italy, to visit with the Cole family was my last adventure of the summer, and it was everything I wanted it to be. I left work a little early on Friday to catch my flight to Rome, then to Naples. The first flight was empty and the plane had a least an extra foot of leg room-- I felt like I was flying first class! The second flight, however, was cramped and crowded, and I was relieved when I saw Adam waiting to pick me up from the airport.

On the drive to the Cole's house I got my first taste of Naples: the crowded streets near the airport showed me how urban this city was. Adam and Rebekah's house is, however, nestled in a nice neighborhood and is very cute, with balconies at every window and nice tile floors. This weekend I was living in high Italian style!

Early Saturday morning, Mount Vesuvius as seen from the Naval Base

It was late when I finally arrived at the house, and we went straight to bed in anticipation for our early morning. We drove to the Naval Base and got on a bus to take us (past the ruins of Pompeii!) to a mini cruise around the Amalfi coast! The views were breathtaking, and the cruise was relaxing (until the seas got rough...that was the bad part of the adventure). We toured around the island of Capri with its beautiful, massive rocks jutting from the sapphire water. We continued around the coast, enjoying the village-peppered mountains lining the water. Pictures can explain it better, but they don't do the beautiful the Amalfi coast justice.

The cruise made two stops, and you could choose which city you could stop in. We chose the second stop, the city of Amalfi, and once we got off the cruise we stopped at a small cafe on the water where Grace and Adam could swim while Rebekah and I ate some yummy snacks. Eventually, we walked a little further up into the city and saw a beautiful church and some touristy shops. Soon, it was time to leave Amalfi's beauty, and we got back on the cruise for the relaxing tour back to Naples.

The beginning of our mini cruise...it's going to be a good day. 

 The island of Capri. Look at that water!!

I think it's safe to say that Grace enjoyed the cruise 

The first cruise stop: Positano 

 I love so many things in this picture: the huge overhanging cave, the castle built into the wall, the mountain itself, the village embedded in it...

The second stop: Amalfi 

The church in Amalfi 

The next day the Coles took me to another famous place in Naples: the Palace of Caserta. This palace was HUGE. We took a tour on only one floor of one of the palace's facades...I can't even imagine how many rooms were in this place. The rooms we saw included some bedrooms where the kings and queens would sleep, sitting rooms, the King's throne room, libraries, art galleries...all decorated with painted ceilings and chandeliers and bold gold trim. Then, there were the gardens, stretching to almost 300 acres! We walked from the palace down as far as we could, but didn't even make it all the way to the end in the heat. What we did see was beautiful, green grass decorated with statues and waterfalls and reflecting pools. Apparently, this palace was used as a location in Star Wars Episode I and II, Mission: Impossible III, and Angels and Demons. I can see why: the vast ornate rooms and gardens set a perfect palace backdrop. It lives up to its reputation of being the Versailles of Italy, as it is fit for a king.

Like in Venice, I had to sneakily take some of the pictures, but I still like how they turned out.

 The stairway leading to the private apartments in the palace

The ceiling of the throne room 

I loved all the chandeliers, especially this one in the "Spring Room"

 Can you spot Rebekah? Yeah, it was a big staircase

 Walking from the palace into the gardens...

 Literally stretches on for acres

After spending the morning at the palace, we went home for naptime (I would say Grace's naptime, but I loved it just as much). When we were up and moving again, we decided to go to the local mall that had many kiddie rides for Grace and pedicures for Rebekah and I (what a relaxing treat!!!). I also had pizza, Napoli style, and it was delicious.

I was sad to leave the next morning, knowing I wouldn't see the Cole family again for a while. But I felt blessed to be able to see them at all, and I am looking forward to the next time, whenever that might be. I am glad that this summer worked out that I could see them as much as I did; having family nearby made it easier to be away from home, and I loved their company on our many adventures. Thanks again, Coles!!

Now, I am preparing for my final days at CERN. There's a lot to do before we leave, and I do think I am ready to go home, but I am looking forward to enjoying the little bit of time I have left.