Sorrento, Italy …Rain and Shine

We drove into Sorrento in a rainstorm but it did not dampen this small town’s charm. The narrow winding streets create a sense of intimacy and invite one to explore. Not knowing what is around the next corner but being greeted with surprise after surprise.

Rainy Day in Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

In Southern Italy, lemon trees abound. It seems that lemons come in two sizes here – large and extra large and limoncello is the drink of choice. In one of the stores, I was kindly invited back to see how it was being made. With a vegetable peeler, long strips are taken from the lemon and put right into vats where they are left to steep in vodka for several days. A sugar syrup is made and mixed with the vodka mixture and then it is strained. Limoncello is both delicious and strong (for my taste!). My advice is to try some AFTER visiting all the other quaint shops. We found everyone so open to us and spent a lot of time “visiting”! Hospitality is a hallmark!

Sorrento lemons

Making Limoncello

Limoncello Bottles for sale

Shop owner, Sorrento, Italy

The town sits on the top of rocky cliffs. The next day, we ventured down by both elevator and stairs in order to catch a boat over to Capri.
We saw ingenuity at work! Since there is little beach, piers were built out over the water. Sitting on top are very small and brightly colored bath houses for people to change in and then lay out on the piers for some sun bathing!

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento has both charm and grandeur. Taking in breathtaking sites and wandering through the narrow streets, spending time with the locals is such a captivating experience. This is why I try to return year after year!

Sorrento, Italy

Capri is next!

Philadelphia Flower Show



With 9 inches of snow here in Philadelphia, I could not pass up the opportunity to visit the Philadelphia Flower Show and be transported to Italy.  Flourishing gardens, villas, free flowing fountains and wine tasting…these sensual delights enabled me to experience the fullness of spring and know that the true fruiting of that promising time was not that long off.  Ciao!