Roma and last half of trip Naples- Sorrento, Pompeii, Etna, Capri, and Catania

We stopped in Orvietto, a cute small town to walk around, take pictures, ate at a small cafe. After a drive into the city we arrived in Rome. I have to say I am not all that crazy about the city life there but definitely worth visiting and loved it all.

. I enjoyed the Pantheon for Apollo and Trevi fountain and the Spanish steps (scene from Roman Holiday with Audrey, yes I had to capture it). We did the pasta making class early and was authentic, difficult and fun. North Italy makes lighter olive oil and the south makes heavier and don't pick olives like the north does. Balsamic is made from wine grapes and stuff with mozzarella and deep fry them and press them. I really was excited to see the Vatican which was a moment in myself and with God amazing and tears arrived, and the Colosseum, which both were amazing where they stand. Arc DI Titus (on way up)  Queen Victoria wings of victory in back flip up from the building in the square and it was also the inspiration for Nike logo.Constantine Roman Forum building (square soon to be metro).

  I enjoyed Sorrento, but didn't have much time there, only a night. We found a restaurant called Banana Split and had good drinks, good wait staff, music and food that night. Worth it for sure and if I return, that is the first spot I will stop at. Pompeii is really something to see and an eye opener for sure, lots of penis erections and yes they sell those souvenirs, but no tour guide will tell you why they do, or why it is, but that they hate the reference irregardless lol. You get to see the images of four burned victims which will leave you in tears at the aftermath of this great volcano and the ash it spread thorough out the city center.

Mnt Etna was huge and vast and unbelievable. I wish we had more time to hike here, and glad I was able to bus ride to it at least. We sadly did not see Mtn Vesuvius, if I get chance I would go back and see this active volcano. Etna is still active as well., but has not been for many years and its damage was just as significant if not just as much!


Naples and Catania were ugly dirty unsafe towns in my opinion. We were greeted by guards and police off the overnight ferry boat and I was scared for my life. I would never return to either of those spots! There were lots of sketch areas with thieves and pick pocketers. One of the girls got her phone stolen and another claimed she was touched on the train. YUCK! Crowded and unpleasant and we were stared at for days being outsiders and all.

Pizza was delicious there and well all of Italy basically. I had so much of that and pasta and gelato. No regrets! My tummy hates me, but it will be crash course recovery for the next few weeks ;).