Day of Exploring Rome

September 01, 2016 in Honeymoon

With only one more day in Rome, we woke up this morning with a mission. We had purchased City Sightseeing (24-hour) bus passes in order to hit all of Rome's top historical sights. Our goal was to get to the Colosseum before it opened, so we left early. However, what we thought was going to be a 15-20 minute bus ride, turned out to be an hour and a half! We didn't realize how many stops we would make along the way, or the amount of waiting we would spend at each stop. So, after we arrived at our first destination we threw our bus passes away and spent the rest of the day walking around Rome.

Our first view of the Colosseum (70-80 AD.)  Not pictured: the long line waiting for us on the other side. — Our first view of the Colosseum (70-80 AD.) Not pictured: the long line waiting for us on the other side.

The long line outside of the Colosseum.  Luckily, it was a beautiful day. — The long line outside of the Colosseum. Luckily, it was a beautiful day.

The hypogeum; an underground network of tunnels where the gladiators and animals waited before the games began.  All of this was enclosed (the stage has been removed.) — The hypogeum; an underground network of tunnels where the gladiators and animals waited before the games began. All of this was enclosed (the stage has been removed.)

The Arch of Titus (82 AD), located inside the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum, which was the center of Roman life for centures.  It holds the ruins of several ancient government buildings — The Roman Forum, which was the center of Roman life for centures. It holds the ruins of several ancient government buildings

High society; the center of Roman public life

Campo de Fiori (a marketplace that is south of Piazza Navona); several vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and souvenirs.

Forno Campo de' Fiori - a bakery with the most delicious snacks and sandwiches.

St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City (completed in 1626)

St. Peter's Basilica is an Italian Renaissance Church.  It is regarded as the greatest building of its time and one of the largest churches in the world. — St. Peter's Basilica is an Italian Renaissance Church. It is regarded as the greatest building of its time and one of the largest churches in the world.

View of the top of the dome in St. Peter's Basilica

Tile artwork lines the walkway around the inside of the dome in St. Peter's Basilica

There is an option to either walk the entire 551 steps up to the top of St. Peter's Basilica's dome, or take an elevator half-way and then walk 320 steps.  There is no wheelchair access and no other option to see the top.  I would highly r… — There is an option to either walk the entire 551 steps up to the top of St. Peter's Basilica's dome, or take an elevator half-way and then walk 320 steps. There is no wheelchair access and no other option to see the top. I would highly recommend making this trek.

The stairs are narrow and steep.  So, this would not be for those who are claustrophobic, acrophobic, or disabled. — The stairs are narrow and steep. So, this would not be for those who are claustrophobic, acrophobic, or disabled.

Stairs leading up to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica

View from the top of St. Peter's Basilica

The first steps inside this sacred church will take your breath away.  The architecture is so grandiose and intricate at the same time.  How they could have created something so magnificent is beyond me. — The first steps inside this sacred church will take your breath away. The architecture is so grandiose and intricate at the same time. How they could have created something so magnificent is beyond me.

Crepuscular rays inside St. Peter's Basilica

The altar with the baldacchino; a 98 ft tall structure that is claimed to be the largest bronze piece in the world.  The baldacchino serves as a holy space above and around the table on which the Sacrament is laid for the Eucharist. — The altar with the baldacchino; a 98 ft tall structure that is claimed to be the largest bronze piece in the world. The baldacchino serves as a holy space above and around the table on which the Sacrament is laid for the Eucharist.

The plaque with the list of popes buried in St. Peter's.

Another view of the altar with the baldacchino

The Swiss Guards outside of St. Peter's Basilica

Largo di Torre Argentina; the site of four Roman temples.  We stumbled upon this as we were walking from out hotel to dinner. — Largo di Torre Argentina; the site of four Roman temples. We stumbled upon this as we were walking from out hotel to dinner.

Roscioli Salumeria; I would highly recommend getting a reservation here (we were able to book one the day before.)  Our best meal in Rome. — Roscioli Salumeria; I would highly recommend getting a reservation here (we were able to book one the day before.) Our best meal in Rome.

Foie gras homemade - goose foie gras carpaccio with sweet and sour onions dressed with raspberry vinegar mixed mixed spices (pepper sarawak, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg)

Pugliese "burrata" with baby dried tomatoes - burrata cheese with black pepper from Malesia and sundried cherry tomatoes.  We have yet to find a place back in the states that serves a burrata even close to this. — Pugliese "burrata" with baby dried tomatoes - burrata cheese with black pepper from Malesia and sundried cherry tomatoes. We have yet to find a place back in the states that serves a burrata even close to this.

Cacio e pepe - fresh pasta with roman pecorino cheese dop, "cacio" from Moliterno, picorino di fossa from Sogliano del Rubicone and Malaisian black pepper

Complimentary cookies with a nutella-like dipping sauce.  The perfect night cap to a busy day of exploring.  One more stop left on this unforgettable honeymoon.  Read on to see where we go next! — Complimentary cookies with a nutella-like dipping sauce. The perfect night cap to a busy day of exploring. One more stop left on this unforgettable honeymoon. Read on to see where we go next!

Positano to Rome

August 20, 2016 in Honeymoon

The morning arrived where our beautiful time in Positano had come to an end. The experience was so unforgettable that we weren't quite sure if the rest of our honeymoon would be as extraordinary. We took as many mental and physical photographs as possible, and said goodbye for now. We will be back someday.

We boarded a boat to Salerno, which stopped in Amalfi (again, sit on the left side of the boat for the best views.)

Our last view of the Italian coast (Salerno.)

The Salerno Railway Station, built  in 1866. — The Salerno Railway Station, built in 1866.

The high-speed train from Salerno to Rome.  In our booth, we met a very nice elderly man from a small town outside of Rome.  He was one of the few people we met who didn't speak English.  However, with our little knowledge of Spanish … — The high-speed train from Salerno to Rome. In our booth, we met a very nice elderly man from a small town outside of Rome. He was one of the few people we met who didn't speak English. However, with our little knowledge of Spanish words that were similar to Italian, and many hand gestures, we were able to hold a meaningful conversation that made that time go by fast. He told us about the must-see sights in Rome, where to find food, how to get to the Colosseum, and about his hometown. It was so nice to meet someone who was genuinely kind towards tourists.

After we dropped our luggage off at the hotel, we made our way around the streets of Rome.  Of course, this was our first stop...pizza! — After we dropped our luggage off at the hotel, we made our way around the streets of Rome. Of course, this was our first stop...pizza!

We started with the Heart of Rome walk.  This is the Piazza Navona. — We started with the Heart of Rome walk. This is the Piazza Navona.

Inside the Pantheon (very crowded, but free)

Not part of the Heart of Rome walk, but just a slight detour.  Giolitti's has delicious gelato (large serving sizes at prices that are hard to beat!) — Not part of the Heart of Rome walk, but just a slight detour. Giolitti's has delicious gelato (large serving sizes at prices that are hard to beat!)

We finished the walk just in time to grab these drinks, relax, and watch the sunset.

We still had some daylight left, so we continued walking and touring the city by foot.

Campo de Fiori; we stumbled upon this town square by chance.  Good live music at night and several options for food/drinks. — Campo de Fiori; we stumbled upon this town square by chance. Good live music at night and several options for food/drinks.

Exhausted and hungry, we ended the night with pasta and pizza :)  Carb loading for another day of sightseeing tomorrow.  Rome is easily one of those cities where you want to make sure and bring your walking shoes! — Exhausted and hungry, we ended the night with pasta and pizza :) Carb loading for another day of sightseeing tomorrow. Rome is easily one of those cities where you want to make sure and bring your walking shoes!

Positano, Italy Part 2

August 15, 2016 in Honeymoon

One of my favorite places in the world. We lucked out by having Positano as our "home" in Italy. The boat rides and sightseeing were charming ways to view the coast, but it was also nice to have relaxing days by the beach or in a cafe. After all, the weather was perfect...

Our balcony was a cherished place where we spent most of our time.  No matter how long we sat in those chairs, the scenery was just as enchanting as the first time we opened those french doors. — Our balcony was a cherished place where we spent most of our time. No matter how long we sat in those chairs, the scenery was just as enchanting as the first time we opened those french doors.

Nothing like an Italian espresso to start the morning.  La Zagara is one of the many bakeries along the main street in the center of Positano. — Nothing like an Italian espresso to start the morning. La Zagara is one of the many bakeries along the main street in the center of Positano.

We had pizza almost every day.  They had it on the breakfast menu, why not? — We had pizza almost every day. They had it on the breakfast menu, why not?

A delicious mezzaluna stuffed with spinach and ricotta.  My half was so full that the entire contents somehow made it's way to the floor :(  At least my wife shared a bite of hers. — A delicious mezzaluna stuffed with spinach and ricotta. My half was so full that the entire contents somehow made it's way to the floor :( At least my wife shared a bite of hers.

The beach was quiet in the mornings.  It was never quite warm enough to go for a swim while we were there, especially since the water was chilly. — The beach was quiet in the mornings. It was never quite warm enough to go for a swim while we were there, especially since the water was chilly.

Explore the cliffside trails, you never know what kind of view you'll discover.

A lot of restaurants have nice views, such as this one.  Therefore, it makes it hard to choose a place (what a terrible problem to have.)  The food is all amazing! — A lot of restaurants have nice views, such as this one. Therefore, it makes it hard to choose a place (what a terrible problem to have.) The food is all amazing!

All of the boats leaving for their various destinations; their passengers all in for a lovely adventure. — All of the boats leaving for their various destinations; their passengers all in for a lovely adventure.

The locals have this stunning view on their way to work every morning.  There is only one main road through the entire city that allows cars. — The locals have this stunning view on their way to work every morning. There is only one main road through the entire city that allows cars.

Scialatielli allo scoglio con cozze, vongole, gamberi e scampi at Ristorante Sarceno d'Oro.  This restaurant was right by our hotel and one of our favorites.  You'll see a few more pictures from here... — Scialatielli allo scoglio con cozze, vongole, gamberi e scampi at Ristorante Sarceno d'Oro. This restaurant was right by our hotel and one of our favorites. You'll see a few more pictures from here...

The most delicious panna cotta with berries.  So light and creamy. — The most delicious panna cotta with berries. So light and creamy.

See??  It was really good. — See?? It was really good.

This is how the locals stay in shape.  We climbed and explored hundreds of steps, a few that led to no outlet, but it was worth the experience. — This is how the locals stay in shape. We climbed and explored hundreds of steps, a few that led to no outlet, but it was worth the experience.

The city lights up at night, which adds to the mystical appeal of this cliffside town.

Ristorante Sarceno d'Oro (where we ate a few times during out stay in Positano.)

Ristorante Da Vincenzo, we were lucky enough to get a reservation here the night before.

The inside looked as if it was carved out of part of the cliff.  As you can see, every table was occupied. — The inside looked as if it was carved out of part of the cliff. As you can see, every table was occupied.

Poplo arrosto e frirarielli - grilled octopus with sauteed sweet green peppers

Fiore di zucca pastellato - zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta, butter sauce, lemon and anchovies

Delicious and light, the flavors were very well complimented.

Bavette aglio, olio, peperoncino e calamaretti spillo - spaghetti garlic, olive oil, peperoncino and baby squid

The most scrumptious calzone I have ever had in my life.   The dough was chewy and cooked to perfection while the inside was filled with ricotta, mozzarella, homemade tomato sauce, sausage, ham, and peppers.  This was from Ristorante … — The most scrumptious calzone I have ever had in my life. The dough was chewy and cooked to perfection while the inside was filled with ricotta, mozzarella, homemade tomato sauce, sausage, ham, and peppers. This was from Ristorante Sarceno d'Oro. We had this 2 nights in a row... after we already ate dinner.

Here's the second one.  We would've had more, but we discovered this later on during our stay.  I think this was my wife's favorite meal in Positano, it was that good. — Here's the second one. We would've had more, but we discovered this later on during our stay. I think this was my wife's favorite meal in Positano, it was that good.

Night view from our balcony (as we enjoyed our calzone and bottle of wine.)

If we could come back to this one place, it would still feel like a dream every time.  A romantic town that makes it easy to be in love, to enjoy the moment, to savor life.  We hope to make it back someday.  Whether it be next y… — If we could come back to this one place, it would still feel like a dream every time. A romantic town that makes it easy to be in love, to enjoy the moment, to savor life. We hope to make it back someday. Whether it be next year, or 50 years down the road. Time will pass, but we hope the enchantment of this town never fades.

Day Trip to Capri, Italy

August 11, 2016 in Honeymoon

We were impressed with how many "last minute" plans we were able to make while were in the Amalfi Coast. We spent the past 10 months planning a wedding...who has time to plan a honeymoon? Therefore, we didn't have any expectations when we arrived. As you can see, though, it is possible to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience no matter what you plan (or don't plan) to do.

Yesterday morning (before we left for Ravello) we decided to reserve 2 spots for a semi-private boat tour around Capri. Our hotel called ahead and told us where to meet on the (Positano) beach around 8:30 the next morning. We arrived at the beach and, lo and behold, we see my wife's co-worker and husband waiting to go on the same tour! We had no idea they were traveling in the same neck of the woods, small world! There were 5 couples on this tour (including us) and an experienced tour guide/boat driver.

Plenty of room to stretch your legs!  If you sit too close to the edge, you'll be sprayed with some chilly salt water. — Plenty of room to stretch your legs! If you sit too close to the edge, you'll be sprayed with some chilly salt water.

Our first view of Capri, only accessible by boat.

Our tour guide took us around the entire island before we docked.  Beautiful, natural caverns and grottos surround the perimeter of this island.  Another secret you'll miss if you take one of the larger commercial boats to Capri. — Our tour guide took us around the entire island before we docked. Beautiful, natural caverns and grottos surround the perimeter of this island. Another secret you'll miss if you take one of the larger commercial boats to Capri.

Approaching the infamous Faraglioni; "the Three Rocks of Capri"

Faraglioni; these oceanic rock formations have been eroded away by the ocean waves.  It is said to bring good luck if you kiss your love under the arch in the center rock.  Good thing our tour guide was experienced, the waves were som… — Faraglioni; these oceanic rock formations have been eroded away by the ocean waves. It is said to bring good luck if you kiss your love under the arch in the center rock. Good thing our tour guide was experienced, the waves were somewhat choppy and the arch was small!

We landed in Marina Piccola (not to be confused with Marina Grande) and took the local bus up to the main heart of Capri.

Plenty of high-end boutiques and shops along this road in Capri.

We took another bus up to Anacapri, which is a beautiful city at a higher elevation with (more) breathtaking views overlooking Capri...

The Scala Fenicia (Phoenician steps); aka 800 steps to Capri

View from Via San Michele, which is a classic Italian garden with a panoramic view of Capri

Capri is known for it's lemons and limoncello, many hand-painted bottles with the liquor of your choice

A little shopping and a pizza roll for a snack.

You can see why it is called Marina Piccola. The waters make up for what it lacks in size, a true emerald coast

After we boarded our boat, we took a tour around the remaining half of the island.

Can you spot the cliff divers?  This was a small island in itself, a steep hike for a few seconds of spirited recklessness. — Can you spot the cliff divers? This was a small island in itself, a steep hike for a few seconds of spirited recklessness.

We took a poll and our entire group decided that it was worth the wait (a little over an hour) for our 3 minutes inside the Blue Grotto.  The tour guides have some sort of system as to know who's next in line.  The stairs (for tourists com… — We took a poll and our entire group decided that it was worth the wait (a little over an hour) for our 3 minutes inside the Blue Grotto. The tour guides have some sort of system as to know who's next in line. The stairs (for tourists coming by land) lead down to the Blue Grotto entrance, which is so small you can't even see it behind the oarsman standing on the row boat.

You can see that the row boats are only large enough for 2-4 people.  Everyone in the boat has to be able to lie down... — You can see that the row boats are only large enough for 2-4 people. Everyone in the boat has to be able to lie down...

The oarsman uses a metal chain to pull everyone inside the cave.

Don't pop your head up at this point, there's no room for error! If the currents are high, the Blue Grotto is inaccessible. — Don't pop your head up at this point, there's no room for error! If the currents are high, the Blue Grotto is inaccessible.

Although the entrance is small, the grotto is about 490 feet deep, which allows for the sunlight to reflect through the seawater and illuminate the cave.

We made it out alive!  Stunning views made Capri well worth the day trip. — We made it out alive! Stunning views made Capri well worth the day trip.

We have one more week left on this honeymoon, but a lifetime of bucket-list adventures to look forward to.  Cheers! — We have one more week left on this honeymoon, but a lifetime of bucket-list adventures to look forward to. Cheers!

Ravello, Italy

August 01, 2016 in Honeymoon

From Amalfi, you can take a bus up to the exquisitely beautiful town of Ravello. It's not a short bus ride and the bus tends to be crowded since they don't run as often to Ravello. Also, there is one point along the way where the road is only wide enough for one vehicle (the other side is a sharp drop down the cliff.) Therefore, there's a long wait until the light changes in order to allow the other cars to go. So, if you get claustrophobic or aren't able to stand for a long period of time, I would recommend spending the extra money for a cab. However, once you get to Ravello, the views are simply captivating!

Here's the entrance to Villa Rufolo, a building that dates back to the thirteenth century.  Unassuming at this point, just wait until you get inside... — Here's the entrance to Villa Rufolo, a building that dates back to the thirteenth century. Unassuming at this point, just wait until you get inside...

One of the best views on the Amalfi Coast.  Keep walking a bit more... — One of the best views on the Amalfi Coast. Keep walking a bit more...

And you'll get this amazing view of the iconic cliffside gardens!

Despite the heat, the flowers managed to stay cheerful and bright.  As if they know they can not surrender to summer's influence.  With the deepest of blues and lush green mountains in the horizon, how disappointing would that be?? — Despite the heat, the flowers managed to stay cheerful and bright. As if they know they can not surrender to summer's influence. With the deepest of blues and lush green mountains in the horizon, how disappointing would that be??

Did I mention that the Amalfi Coast is beautiful?

Several steps like this surround the perimeter of Ravello.  If you have the time, walk as many of those steps as you can.  You'll see why... — Several steps like this surround the perimeter of Ravello. If you have the time, walk as many of those steps as you can. You'll see why...

You'll get a mix of historic architecture alongside a glimpse into the simple lifestyles of those who keep Ravello so authentic.  The terraced gardens and linen-lined clotheslines make you wonder if their lives are as romantic as you picture th… — You'll get a mix of historic architecture alongside a glimpse into the simple lifestyles of those who keep Ravello so authentic. The terraced gardens and linen-lined clotheslines make you wonder if their lives are as romantic as you picture them to be.

Without a doubt, Ravello has some of the best views on the Amalfi Coast.  It's hard to envision our honeymoon getting any better than this... — Without a doubt, Ravello has some of the best views on the Amalfi Coast. It's hard to envision our honeymoon getting any better than this...

Day of Exploring Rome

Positano to Rome

Positano, Italy Part 2

Day Trip to Capri, Italy

Ravello, Italy

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