A Venetian Sail Away

Hands down, one of the brightest shining highlights of our entire Adriatic cruise was the sail away through Venice, Italy. I'd been to Venice once before and loved my time there…but there was something so incredible about being able to float around the island and have a bird's eye view of it ALL. The-whole-darn-thing. It was not something either of us expected (as most sail-aways are quite lackluster), but seeing Venice from above goes down as one of my most favorite vista views in all my time living abroad. Cooler than the views of Florence from the top of the Duomo. Crazier than the mountain views we saw while skiing around the Matterhorn. Even more awe-inspiring than those views we captured from the highest level of the Eiffel Tower. It's like we were giants, watching tiny people wandering the piazza's and gondolas floating down the canals. Life bustled on as our massive cruise ship passed through Canale di Fusina, Canale della Giudecca, Basino di San Marco, and finally Canale di San Marco. When we sailed past San Marcos Square ,the cruise ship loud speakers erupted with Andrea Bocelli's singing "Con te partiro" and I won't lie, I got a little teary eyed. I felt all the Italian feels in that moment.

What makes this all the more special (to us, at least) is the fact that cruise ships floating through Venice is sure to be banned in years to come. It's no surprise that Venice is slowly sinking into the sea, and with all the boating traffic, wake, and vibrations created by ferries and cruise ships alike, the city is in a constant state of erosion. Before our sailing, we'd heard rumors that our ship might not be able to take its usual route into Venice. I totally understand the environmental detriment all of these cruise ships and large boats contribute, but I still couldn't help but be thankful the ship bans weren't imposed just yet. If they had, we would have never experienced this incredible sail away. I do, however, hope that some middle ground is found and that the preservation of this beautiful floating city can continue so locals and travelers can enjoy Venice for many years to come!

Nove, Italy: Ceramic Shopping Heaven

During my fabulous Italian Blate with my dear friend Jess, we made a trip to Nove to do what all 20-something gals do while traveling...SHOP! Nove is a small town in Northern Italy known for its amazing ceramics. Some of the world's best-loved kitchenware sellers get their goods from different ceramic houses all around Nove. In fact, I scored myself the cutest honey pot normally sold in Williams-Sonoma stores at a price point of $20...for 6 euro! This lace-imprinted coffee mug is sold for $35 a pop at Arte Italica online...I snagged it for 4 euro. Same for this Arte Italica bowl...10 euros for me, $34 for you! Nuts, right? You can even find the adorable piggy banks made for Tiffany's (normally $120 each) selling for 15 euro in Nove. You're practically stealing it off the shelf at those prices. I'm really kicking myself now for not getting one of those piggies! And check out all the fiesta ware, ladies! Every color you could think of...wholesale...right there at your fingertips. I'd throw a fiesta just to have an excuse to buy those beauties! I also spent a few euro on some gorgeous pasta serving bowls and a couple of those cute chicken pitchers to give to my mom & mother-in-law.

Needless to say, this quaint Italian town is a ceramic goldmine and should be frequented by every kitchenware loving gal this side of the Atlantic Ocean. There are many treasures to behold in Italy, my friends!

Sorrento, Italy

The last stop on our Italian coastal tour was Sorrento, also known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. While Sorrento still boasts gorgeous sea views, colorful buildings, and delicious Italian cuisine, I didn't find it quite as charming as Positano. We arrived in the heart of the town just after 2 pm and the streets were bustling with tourists. I don't mind visiting touristy locales, but after wandering down the almost tourist-free streets in Positano just hours before, I couldn't help but be disenchanted by the overabundance of them in Sorrento. Not to mention it was over 80 degrees outside that afternoon, so the combination of crowded streets and humid weather made our time there a little less bearable. In lieu of snapping a million photos of the town (since I'd already had my fill of photographing gorgeous Positano), we spent an hour wandering up and down the shop-lined streets trying to find a memento to bring home from our quick stop there. We settled on a cute ornament covered in hand-painted lemons and seascapes, then headed back to our air-conditioned van and we jetted off to the docks to catch our ferry back to Naples. A quick stop, indeed. If I had the chance visit Sorrento again, I would...but maybe in the off season when less tourists are out in full force. Although, if we find ourselves along the Amalfi Coast again, I'm positive the island of Capri will be our first stop since we opted out of it this past trip. So much Italy to see, so little time. Guess we always have a reason to come back! You won't hear me complaining. :)

If you missed any of our day along the Amalfi Coast, you can find all my recaps here, here, and here.

Positano, Italy

Positano is an absolute D R E A M. From the black pebble beaches, colorful cabanas, and lush tropical greenery all the way to the fresh lemon icees (see those HUGE lemons again!) and the decadent homemade cannolis...I could have stayed in that town forever. The first time I'd ever tried a cannoli was in Positano. I'll never forget it. Our tour guide couldn't believe I bought one, after stuffing our faces full of pasta just minutes before. Truth be told, I wasn't hungry...but when in Italy, you must eat a cannoli! MUST! Can you blame me? It was one of the greatest dessert I've ever eaten. Cannoli convert, right here.

I really truly honestly wish we'd had more time in Positano. A long weekend would do. Just so I could lay on the beach, catch some rays, and eat at least a dozen more cannolis...with a side of wine and pasta, of course. I told D someday we are going to make an entire trip of the Amalfi Coast. Jaunt from seaside village to seaside village. He agreed...it's worth its own vacation. To all you soon-to-be honeymooners or wanderlusting travelers, consider the Amalfi Coast (to include Positano) for your next romantic adventure. And send me a box of cannolis, will ya?