Last Destination

We arrived in Lido di Ostia this afternoon to spend the last couple of days just relaxing by the water. I guess I didn't realize just how much of our Cinque Terre and Sorrento experiences would include the beach but in retrospect we are both very glad that I planned things out so that city sights were done first, followed by relaxation and sea sights.

This has been a truly wonderful vacation for me, more so by the presence of Bryan, because originally I was going to come alone. I know now that I would have had no problem traveling to all these places alone but it's been really great to have Bryan as my companion. It has shown us that we really do travel together well and that there will be many, many more vacations in our future.

I'm not looking forward to coming home one bit, aside from missing my cats and the gym. I love it here and am constantly thinking of the next time I will be in Italy. However, Bryan is talking about missing his Jeep and motorcycle and wanting to get back to normal, so I am slowly realizing this vacation is almost done. But, I know I'll be back and now I'm know what I should have wished when I threw my coin in Trevi Fountain all those days ago!

Tonight we are on the prowl for a good restaurant, not really finding anything at all on our brief walk around. Lido di Ostia is definitely a beach town and it's a nice quiet place to spend the last couple of nights. I don't think there is a lot to do here aside from the beach but it's so close to Fiumincino that it works for the timeline. The beach is extensive but the water shallow. I don't like this, having spent my summers growing up at a beach with a swift drop-off! Maybe tomorrow we can find a deeper spot.

I tried a bottle of Antica wine, just to taste something from the region. It's very good, fruity but light and not too dry. My favorite is still the Montelpulcino d'Abruzzo though!

 

We are staying in another hostel that looks like it was either an old school or a military dorm. It's huge but very plain. Our bathroom is very large, but the facilities small - the shower is about 2' x 2'! (Bryan gets the bottom bunk...)

 

But the view is awesome!!!

 

Yesterday we just spent the day relaxing by the beach in Sorrento. We bought some snorkel equipment and an air mattress and just played in the beautiful sea for a few hours. The place we rented chairs from and ate lunch at was great. The staff was super - friendly, funny and diligent. They even had a wonderful American Husky as their "mascot"! Bagni Delfino is a great place, we highly recommend them. I ate mussels with garlic, tomatoes and chili - I don't imagine I will ever order mussels again in Calgary as I've been so spoiled here by the freshness and tender texture!

Mount Vesuvius from Sorrento...