There`s something about being by the water that makes me feel so happy and serene. Sperlonga has to be the most BEAUTIFUL seaside town I have ever seen. It is a very small town on the Mediterranean Sea between Rome and Naples. It’s actually a really busy time of year as many Italians choose to vacation here in the summer. You really get a feel for the Italian culture as NOBODY really speaks English. The town is incredible...it’s built in a mountain, with narrow alleyways, staircases everywhere and gorgeous whitewashed buildings. The view of the ocean with the mountainous backdrop is picturesque. Apparently Sperlonga was a favourite retreat for the ancient Romans during the hot summer months and it has continued to be a hot spot ever since.
We are staying at this beautiful modern resort... I feel so spoiled! I have a gorgeous room with this spa like shower...I shower on average 3 times a day just to take advantage of it. There`s a great pool and bar on the rooftop which I`ve grown quite fond of. We have become friends with the bartender “Sarina” who refuses to charge us for our drinks. Sarina also doesn`t have much bartending experience so she just pours away without ever measuring...quite funny! We`ve been teaching her a thing or two!
My first night in Sperlonga was incredible! Natalie and I took a cab to the neighbouring town to experience our first Italian Club. We went out at about 1:00 am and things were just getting started. We got drop off on the beach and followed this sandy alleyway to this outdoor disco. I kind of felt like I was at Much Music Video dance but in a foreign country with outdoor televisions playing random videos to music we know haha. Nat and I were definitely the only Canadian girls there. Natalie is fluent in Italian so she was able to network for the both of us. It’s so funny to see the locals going crazy over North American Top 40 Music...they don`t know the lyrics they just seem to mumble random words ...too cute. So we danced the night away till about 4 and then decided to call it a night. It was great having my own personal translator...otherwise I wouldn`t of been able to take part in any conversation. I really need to learn to speak Italian.
Some of the students went to Pompeii on Sunday but I stayed back and enjoyed exploring the streets of Sperlonga. Nat and I started our day at around noon with a great lunch in a piazza up in the hill. We had the best Caprese salad and Antipasto! I am now addicted to olive oil, Buffalo Mozzarella, tomatoes and wine. Everything is so fresh and tasty! After a fantastic lunch, we made our way to the beach where we met up with about 20 students who had bought a bunch of inflatable boats and tubes. We ended up playing in the water with them for a good part of the afternoon followed by some reading on the beach! Another long day at the office!
For real, I`m honestly in heaven! Last night, my coworkers and I went out for a wonderful seafood dinner on top of the mountain. From the patio, we enjoyed the sunset followed by a full moon reflecting on the water. This place is soooo Zen! You can`t help but just pause every now and then to take it all in. Life is so stress free that it has become quite easy to just live in the moment and not think of anything else. Wish every day of the year could be this way!
Our students started their final presentations this week...I can`t believe the course and the trip is coming to an end in just a couple of days. I have become really close to my students. Most of them are quite mature for their age. I feel like they`re my little brothers and sisters...they seem to come to us for all sorts of stuff including relationship advice and they seem to keep us in the loop about everything haha they`re hilarious. It has honestly been an amazing experience teaching them. They are so engaged and excited about business- Some of these kids read the Economist for fun haha! I`m going to miss them.
I have also enjoyed working with such a wonderful team. Teaching with James has been a learning curve for me. He is this dynamic, inspiring teacher who is gifted and has a way of delivering the content in a fascinating way. It has been really nice to learn from him this past month.
Natalie is another one I`ve become quite close to. She is our group supervisor who also happens to be 26 and loves to travel. We`ve spent numerous evening having late night chats and exploring our surroundings. I knew after talking to her for 5 minutes that we`d become friends...she is so easy to get along with. Having her here on the trip has made it this much more amazing! She is planning a visit to North Bay for the fall so some of you will get to meet her J
This will be my last post as I will be heading back to Canada in just 3 days (I`m not ready to come back). My adventures through Ireland and Italy have been incredible. These two countries are so different but yet equally amazing! I think what made Ireland were the people, its lively culture and its gorgeous landscape where as the food, the history, the art and the relaxed lifestyle made Italy so memorable.
Momma, I hope you can find the time to bake some blueberry muffins...that would be fabulous! Haha!
Looking forward to seeing you when I get back! Can`t wait to catch up with everyone!
Ciao!
Franny
It is good to collect things, but it is better to go on walks
-Anatole France
Ok....this one made my teary eyed.
ReplyDeleteSo inspired by your trip and can't wait to have you home and hear all the "not for blog" stories at the cottage this weekend.
Safe trip home my girl.
XO