Spring Break in Italy

(posted by John, pictures by Jen)

Jen's parents John and Jeanne came to visit us in mid-April this year, coinciding with the kids week long spring break at school.  The timing of their trip was also ideal for the spring flower bloom in Holland.

John & Jeanne in the Holland tulip fields

We also had the opportunity to take a night time boat cruise of the Amsterdam canals.  Jen and I have taken such a cruise a few times during the day, but this was the first time we had done so at night.  It was a beautiful night and the experience was quite special.

The Amsterdam canals at night

After spending three days adjusting to the time zone, touring Amsterdam, and enjoying the flower bloom in Holland, we departed for the Amalfi Coast of Italy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalfi_Coast.  

We flew into Naples, Italy and drove to the first stay of our trip in Sorrento.  Sorrento is located right on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorrento,_Italy.

Ohhhhhh the food!  We have been fortunate to visit Italy on a number of occasions and for me the food and the wine are always the highlights of any Italy trip and its what keeps bringing me back.

Meatballs...sans Spaghetti

John & Jeanne with Sorrento in the background

Sorrento is known for lemons which are used to make lemon cello, a favorite drink of ours! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_Cello

Enjoying our Lemon Cello

Now that's a Lemon!!!

Our three days in Sorrento included a boat ride to the island of Capri, an often used retreat for Roman emperors 2,000 years ago http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capri.

A gorgeous view from the island of Capri

The Feriancek's in Capri

Back in Sorrento for dinner, Grandpa John is really enjoying Italian wine...

Love those big glasses of wine!

Our last day in Sorrento consisted of a day trip to Pompeii http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pompeii, the city that was buried by the explosion of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mt._Vesuvius.  Pompeii was completely buried but preserved by this explosion so when it was excavated in the 1700's and 1800's, we learned much about everyday life in a Roman city 2000 years ago.  We hired a tour guide for the day and what a history lesson we received!

Main street in Pompeii

The kids and our tour guide in Pompeii

One last evening in Sorrento was as enjoyable as the rest.

The whole crew in Sorrento

Grandma and Allison shopping in Sorrento

More meatballs!!!

Halfway through the week we moved to Positono, about a 45 minute drive from Sorrento http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positano.  Our plan was to relax and enjoy the sun but unfortunately we received a fair amount of rain.  So aside from one day of sun, we passed the time playing games, doing a little shopping, eating great food and drinking wine.

The terrace of our villa in Positano

The view from our terrace...breathtaking

The beach in Positano

Dinner in Positano

Lemonade and clams...Mmmmmmmm

We had another outstanding trip and it was great to catch up with John and Jeanne.  We hope you and your family are well, we are doing great!

Take care,

John