Ischia

June 8th:

Today I went to the island of Ischia off the coast of Pozzuoli.  I got to the Pozzuoli port and had no idea how to get over to Ischia besides by ship.  But the port is pretty big with a lot of ships and boats.   This couple from Milan named Frank and Eliza had pity on me.  They walked me to two ticket booths and made sure I got on the right boat. Frank was especially pleased to help me when he found out I was from Chicago because his brother opened a restaurant in Chicago.  He clapped and smiled when I told him. He couldn't remember the name of the restaurant though; darn, I would have loved to walk in, ask for the owner, and say, "I met your brother, Frank, in Pozzuoli!"

When I got there I headed straight for the beach.  It was beautiful, REALLY hot, and peaceful.

After some time there I took a bus to another port on the island and walked around there for awhile, too.  It was nice to see other parts of Ischia, however it would have taken days to feel like I mastered it, which is what I am learning about every place and city here.

Late afternoon I took a ship back and my family and I went out for pizza and wine. Don't mind if I do :) They have been so kind and generous to me.  I am thankful for their hospitality and care.

History and Whimsy

Tuesday, June 5th:
I went to the ruins sites of Ercolano and Oplotis.  It was amazing to be in places and touch things that are over 2,000 years old. Both were covered by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Check out the pics!
Oplontis:

Ercolano:

Best tour guide ever: Aldo!

Nobody does a cappuccino like the Italians.

After dinner, I went out for my first gelato in Italy. I got the tiramisu flavor. So refreshing and good. I love that little shop nearby. It's called "Dolci Momenti."

Then I read on terrace as the sky was turning dark over the sea.  I could see the lights turning on on the islands off the coast. So beautiful.  The sky just kept turning a richer and deeper dark blue. Stars started appearing. I don't think there's a better place/environment to read.

June 6th:
A pigeon joined me for my morning coffee & journaling.

 I went to a rock beach nearby my aunt and uncles house. I made friends with these lovely Italians (and two others). The one on the left (Maria) was my translator for the day. They were SO nice to me and even gave me lunch. I love that they were so open and invited me to tag along in their fun.

 This girl. Can't get enough. (P.S. I bought these sunglasses on the beach from a guy from Senegal!)

 My aunt and uncle play on a softball league. I love that about them! They are great players, too!

 Thursday, June 7th
I went to Pompeii today! I was REALLY tired, and I am not sure why.  It was extremely sunny (and I got a little burnt the day before) so I tried to avoid the sun as much as possible.  But like my experience with Ercolano and Oplontis I was constantly amazed at how old these features are. I am amazed how much was preserved from the eruption.

 Check out that view.

 This body was perserved from the eruption.

Upcoming: Tomorrow I want to go to the island Ischia. Saturday my uncle and I are going to Mola di Bari to visit my extended relatives and see where my grandparents are from!

Rainy day adventures

A promised picture of the terrace (Katie O'dowd). 

A promised photo of my cousin, Maria Giovanna. Isn't she a peach?

_____

June 4th
I went for a walk to the port, and I sat at a coffee shop to read and journal. I'm pretty sure the blended coffee drink (like a frap) had kahlua in it... language barrier fail (oh well).  I had a mozzarella pizza for lunch (YUM). Then I went to the Flavian Amphitheater. This amphitheater is the third largest in Italy, and it's really close to my uncle's house. So much history, beauty, and whimsy in this place. I'm in love with everything my eyes see.

General First Impressions/Musings

1. my family is amazing. i am absolutely in love with my 5 month old cousin. she is so precious. (more pictures later)
2. the weather. oh my goodness. it's beautiful and sunny here with a gentle breeze.
3. my aunt and uncle have an orange tree in their front yard, from which i can eat.
4. there's a gelato/coffee/pastry shop right down the street from where my uncle lives. life is really hard ;)
5. i have a terrace outside my bedroom that overlooks the mediterranean and mountains.
6. i've already gotten used to espresso (i'm really proud of that).

all in all, i'm going to enjoy my time here in Napoli.

Italy is soon.

This post is short and sweet, mostly because I am running behind schedule in the packing and prep arena. 

Anyways, I leave for Italy in about 14 hours and I can hardly wait. It's surreal, unbelievable, and exciting. I cannot wait to meet my newest cousin, named after my mother.  I can't wait to see where my aunt and uncle work.  I cannot wait to see ITALY, generally.  I want to feel connected to my mother's life and my grandma, especially.

I will be in Naples for two weeks, with a trip to where my grandparents grew up on one of the weekends, I will be in Rome, Siena, and Florence.  That is all I know as of yet. More on the details/trip itinerary later. 

You should know that I will be updating as much as I can (which is probably not going to be often), but check here if you'd like to see what's going on for me this summer. 

Remember: email me. Keep me posted on YOUR lives by emailing: jenniferkost09@gmail.com.

Con amore,

Jen

Mother Theresa

Mother Theresa is a woman I have heard about for many years.  I have not read any of her books, regrettably.  I have been consistently rewarded by her quotes, however.

This is no exception:
"Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty."

I know how this feels, and I know I have been guilty of making others feel unwanted. I have been critically convicted of my lack of love and compassion for others.  I need to remember the power I have to build up or tear down.

Love through/because of/for Love.

I'm blessed to know you, Emily

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KfvQYG03mM4
This movie is important.