Growing up in the heart of mid-America, I have often found the beauty of our Earth in wide open pastures or the sunsets stretching out over the surface of lakes and rivers. There, landscapes speak in vast open skies, a serene beauty that feels both grounding and limitless. My perspective was changed forever when I traveled to Sorrento in the bay of Naples and the Island of Capri, just off the coast of Italy.
The boat ride to the island was rocky, and all around me people were becoming sick. But I have always liked boats the handful of times I have been on one. Everyone was relieved when we pulled into the harbor and it was time to file off the ferry. The clouds were dark, and the rain started to fall once we left the harbor. Normally, I would talk about how the rain may have spoiled the day—but not on Capri.
The clouds hung at the top of the mountains where the peaks were no longer visible. It was impossible to understand how tall these island mountains were when the clouds became a mist that rolled down the sides, engulfing trees and roads that spiraled down towards the city. I decided to get a coffee and find a nice place to sit while I watched this spectacular change in weather. I must admit, I had never seen anything like this.
The weather cleared up halfway through the day, and that is when my exploration of the island truly began. I took a tram lift up to the highest sections of the city and walked the packed narrow streets that overlooked the harbor below. I found gelato shops that served lemon gelato inside a hollowed out lemon and jewelry stores that would custom make rings and necklaces right on the spot.
The most beautiful aspect of Capri, however, is its location and the amazing viewpoints you randomly stumble across while walking. Rock spires and arches jut out from the coastal waters and buildings are built on cliff sides overlooking the sea. Almost every building is whitewashed, reflecting the sun in every direction. I have never seen a place so full of beauty. My only worry now is that I will compare the beauty of other places to what I experienced on Capri. In all my life, I have never seen such natural beauty anywhere else on earth.
I stayed on the island only for a day before returning to my hotel on the mainland in Sorrento. Sorrento is a beautiful city as well, made of travertine and tufa like many cities in Italy. Sorrento is nestled up in the mountains of Campania and overlooks the sea, much like Capri.
The major difference between the two was the noise. In Sorrento, night life is a dominant factor. This is when music is played loudly, people hit the streets for their favorite dinner, and the bars call out to passersby in the hopes they come for a drink. This is pretty common behavior throughout Italy ,and it does add to the charm that this country has to offer. But I will never forget the bliss natural beauty and the peace of Capri as long as I live.
Timothy M. Skonecki
Timothy Skonecki is a student at Westminster College and an ISA Featured Blogger. He is studying with ISA in Rome, Italy.
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