For someone who has traveled to more than 20 countries before becoming a Mrs, traveling is in my blood. This love for exploring cities and beautiful landmarks is passed on to the family. Pre-COVID, Allen and I would take the kids to some of our dream destinations, making sure we create more memories through traveling.
Then, COVID happened.
Don’t get me wrong – I live for my time with the kids and with my husband. But if I was totally honest, I was ready to hop on to the next flight and rendezvous in some new destination. Traveling was calling me!
Then an opportunity came – my best friend’s wedding was to be held in Almafi. When we got the invitation, Allen and I looked at each other. At that moment, we knew going was non-negotiable, to celebrate the nuptials of course!
The Chaos Before the Adventure
You know how life would sometimes try to pull tricks on you to check if you really want something so bad? Yes, it happened to us.
The night before our flight, my daughter Avery caught a stomach bug that made me reconsider flying out. Sure, Italy’s coast was beckoning to me, but my daughter’s situation made me doubt if I’d truly enjoy the trip knowing I’ll be leaving her while she’s sick.
Fortunately, life also gave me an amazing family who urged us to go and make the trip. They made me feel 100% confident that Avery will be in good hands and I did not have to worry so much about her because there will be people around her that I could trust and nurse her back to good health.
A few hours after her first stomach bug episode, Avery felt better (which, by the way, helped tremendously in making me enjoy Almafi through and through).
The Magic of Sorrento
Pre-trip, I had never been to Sorrento before. However, my previous assignment in Germany brought me to Naples several times so I thought I already had a full picture of what to expect in one of Italy’s popular destinations.
Boy was I so wrong.
Sorrento’s beauty was surreal. Even the photos online don’t give the spectacular landmark justice. Sure, the tricky, crazy roads were there, but the view can make you easily forget about the heart-pounding coastline drive you’re sure to take.
I’m already sure the image of the colorful buildings set against the sparkling Mediterranean waters is already etched in my mind.
The Sorrento Experience
Sorrento’s beautiful, but what really made us fall for it are the experiences you can indulge in that romantic seaside destination.
Our stay in the dazzling Mediterraneo Hotel was the highlight of our experience. We stayed there for 5 days and 4 nights, and we can definitely say their service was 5-star!
When two of our suitcases did not make it on time, the hotel concierge went the extra mile and drove to the airport after hours to pick up our luggage when it did arrive. This additional service was free of charge, so we made sure to give a good tip to the driver.
Mediterraneo Hotel was a beauty! The hotel boasts gorgeous rooms. I had to adjust a little to the rooms because they’re smaller than what I’m used to, but they’re fantastic nonetheless.
We enjoyed our stay on the hotel’s rooftop basking in the view of the sunset setting against the Mediterranean Sea. Romantic is an understatement!
Exploring Almafi
Almafi is all about culture, history, sights, and wine. Oh the wine was to die for. We were glad that a trip was planned to Sorrentino Vini – the local vineyard – because they offered one of the best tasting wines we’ve ever had. It was so good Allen got a tray for us to enjoy at home.
The food at Almafi is also on our “unforgettable food” list. All the delicacies served to us were teeming with freshness. The aroma, the taste, and the way the food looked were different – all because the ingredients are just so fresh and so good.
Of course, we didn’t pass up on the chance to be in the water. The bride and groom rented a boat to enjoy the Almafi coast from the sea. Allen was braver than I was – he jumped in the water even though the current was pretty strong that day. The fact that locals told us there were 50,000 sharks around the area also did not faze my adventure-loving husband.
Although the last shark happened six decades ago, I still kept on checking for one nearby. Fortunately (and in some ways, unfortunately) we weren’t able to see one.
Allen brought his drone and took a couple of videos of the gorgeous coastline. I have a feeling, though, that he was able to capture more of our moments trying to get the drone back to the boat without plunging into the sea. Lol!
See You Soon, Almafi!
I’m just so grateful my family was supportive of our first overseas trip since COVID. The trip to Sorrento definitely went straight up and claimed a spot on the top 5 most unforgettable vacations!
Our trip also made me realize another goal to work towards – to live in Almafi. A house on the cliff, a yacht of our own, days and days and days in the sea, delicious food, and wine that makes your heart sing. I’m so sure my family will feel right at home!
Take that Trip!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from our experience, it is to take the trip. There will be crazy roadblocks along the way, but take that trip.
I missed my babies while we were away but that trip was already long overdue for the traveler in me screaming “I want out!” LOL.
You, my dear reader, deserve that trip – that trip you’ve always wanted to take.
I’m so glad I took the chance to explore Almafi.
Life-changing might be over the top, but I can’t seem to find the words that will give justice to that wonderful, wonderful experience!
I cannot wait to go back!