#HofstraEO

[hofstraodyssey]

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After the flurry and frenzy of big cities Florence and Rome, our experience in peaceful Sorrento was that much more pleasant. Ever since I made a Pinterest account I have been in love with the Amalfi Coast, and fantasized about coming here even though I have never been to Europe until this trip, and now I’m finally here surrounded by friends that I love! From Rome we drove just a few hours along the Bay of Naples, passing Mount Vesuvius on the way, along a winding cliff side overlooking the Bay until we arrived at our “deluxe hostel” Ulisse which was much more like a hotel. We got there with a lot of daylight left and most of us decided to go adventuring, as usual. Just down the road we found a short hiking path where we climbed up moss covered steps to the top of a small waterfall with a beautiful view of the Bay and the colorful houses below. As we kept exploring we found an elevator down to a small beach where some fishermen were bringing in their catches and we sat on the rocks watching the sun set over Naples, across the Bay. The next day had just as stunning views when we went to class at Sant’ Anna Institute, some of us even being convinced to come back and get internships here in the summer. The view outside our large classroom windows had us a little distracted during our class period where we discussed some really deep and interesting readings and documentaries on human trafficking and ways of perceiving the world. The next day we took a ferry ride to the Island of Capri. Our Italian tour-guide took us to the grottos all around the island until we got dropped off at the main marina to spend a day seeing everything else that the Island had to offer. Some of us went hiking while others shopped around on the rather empty, off-season streets and got some good deals. We all got gelato at some point; you just can’t avoid the temptation. The sun was setting as we got back onto the boat to go back to Sorrento and we just stared in awe at how beautiful it was and reflected on how incredible it is to be where we are right now with so much of the trip already passed and still so much to go. Time has started to move slowly but we’re savoring every second that we get. Sorrento has been our longest stop so far – 4 nights – so we all took advantage of the free day we got on our last day here to rest, catch up on homework, and just relax. On our way to catch the ferry from Italy to Greece we stopped at the infamous Pompeii and were blown away at the ancient world it transported us to. Walking around in the ruins and reading about the citizen’s daily lives was surreal and almost felt like we were on a movie set. On to a new country now! See you soon, Greece.

[brendanwalleseo15]

There was no way to anticipate how stunning the view from the top of Mont St Michel is. The distance and beauty of the landscape took some time to really take sink in. Our group really lucked out with the sun being out all day, because it rained both the day before and after. There is just something unexplainable about this place. -Brendan

[hofstraodyssey]

The boat to and from Capri and infamous Pompeii