Sorrento, Quite the Peaceful Getaway

After the hustle and bustle of Rome (which, GOD, I adored!), it was nice to move onto the second half of my trip, the beach/seaside getaway town of Sorrento.

Sorrento is quite small, so it's very easy to explore your way around and find all the secret passageways...

...and subsequently stumble upon hidden spots where you basically get your own balcony, complete with the most fabulous cappuccino and a smashing view of the sea:

I mean, I really didn't get tired of that view! 

Or this view: 

 Or any of the views! 

 It might sound too kitschy a term, but Sorrento is just so darn cute. It's everything you want out of a little Italian town: 

It's got that European flair. 

 The prettiest little benches you've ever seen. 

 Adorable bridges.

 10th Century mills that you accidentally run into on your morning walk.

 Beautiful art you find under the archways.

 Vines growing up the sides of buildings.

And the right kind of simple summer foods. 

 It's even got a tiny speck of night life...

 Where the bartenders give you free drinks (um, if you're a woman, I assume). 

There's not too many bad things I can say about Sorrento...

And gosh, what can I say when the day ends with that infamous view? That view...

Roma, Part 3: When the Moon Hits Your Eye

One of the best things about Rome? The night is always young. Sonja and I took advantage of this. As soon as the sky turned to twilight and Sonja and I finished our naps after a hard day of conquering, it was time to head out...

Courtyard of our B&B. Livin' in the citayyyyy! 

First stop, Gelato...ALWAYS GELATO FIRST. Then drinks! 

Prosecco in Italy is an absolute must! Ordered at a chill cocktail bar, named Cafe Friends...

Oh, and we made a few "friends..."

Ahem. 

And at night, the sites are EVEN BETTER! 

Before leaving for Italy, I went to an Italian restaurant where the owners were Italian. I gleefully told them I was visiting their home country, to which the man replied, "Make sure you try the wine, the food...and the men!" 

Done, done and done. 

Roma, Part 2: Roman Holiday

Rome is an especially unique city in that it's quite busy and full of life around every corner, yet you don't really feel worn out from it. Somehow, the city remains relaxing, and even...invigorating. Maybe this is attributed to the slower pace at which a lot of Italians walk (compared to New York, that is). Maybe it's due to the hearty food you end up taking long breaks for. Whatever the case, being in Rome was a true holiday away from work and school.

...and yes, I may have pretended I was a young Audrey Hepburn living it up in the Eternal City...

My holiday pictures mostly speak for themselves, so I'll shut my trap from here on out. Furthermore, the buildings pictured here are so famous, I'm not sure a caption is even needed. But I might provide a few here and there just to be cheeky.  

Typical cafe, which often has the best cappuccinos. 

Trevi Fountain

Pantheon

My favorite. 

Roma, Part 1: Bringing Out My Inner Conquerer!

When in Rome...

CONQUERING IS THE MAIN BUSINESS OF THE DAY!

I claim this in the name of Ashley!

Sonja and I got into Rome, and saw the land before us. We knew instantly, it had to be ours...

 We walked through the streets to survey our new kingdom...

 Even crossing over treacherous rivers! 

So, a cappuccino break was in order. 

 But not too much time for coffee...there was more to conquer!

 Sonja and I agreed that the Colosseum was our favorite building. Probably because only true warriors can hang here. 

We found our stamp all over the city, proof that we were in a town amongst other conquerers! 

 I felt right at home. 

After a hard day's battle, some nourishment was in order. 

 Just give this conquerer a map, no real plans, some sunglasses (warrior shades)...

and that's all she needs to keep quite the happy fighter!