Pompeii was an ancient Roman city, most famous for being buried and preserved under ash in the wake of Mount Vesuvius’ fiery eruptions. Some sections were covered in ash up to twenty feet. The tragedy of the city and the people’s destruction is not forgotten, and the excavation and preservation of this marvelous place allows us to see a slice of ancient Roman life. Stroll along the streets at this UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover the pathways taken by both royal and commoners of the day.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangOctober 26, 2019travel, nature, pompeii, ruins, pompeii ruins, italy, roman ruins, roman, roman architecture, UNESCO, unesco world heritage siteComment

L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples, Italy

The mouthwatering taste of this perfect pizza still lingers after two years. Elizabeth Gilbert raves about it in her Eat, Pray, Love novel, sending tourists flocking to this seasoned spot. Established in 1870, this pizzeria claims to make the best pizza in Naples and the world. The United States outpost opened its doors in Spring of 2019 in Los Angeles. The bubbling cheese, fresh basil, yeasty dough, and fresh tomato fills the area with a tantalizing aroma.

FoodYafen LiangOctober 24, 2019italy, food, l'antica pizzeria da michele, naples, pizzaComment

Street Views in Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento is a coastal town in southwest Italy. Its dramatic cliffs face the Bay of Naples. Its winding roads is full of vendors selling gelato, ceramics, woodwork, and the requisite tacky souvenirs. Limoncello — think alcoholic lemonade — is produced in Sorrento. Honeymooners walk underneath the afternoon sun. It is a slow town where meandering is encouraged and visitors can relish in the salt air and sea breeze.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangOctober 22, 2019travel, nature, sorrento, italy, bay, bay of naples, coast, amalfi coast, limoncello, gelatoComment

Vallone dei Mulini in Sorrento, Italy

Vallone dei Mulini, also known as Valley of the Mills is close enough to the city center to warrant a peak at it. On street level, visitors can look below into the valley and see abandoned flour mills. The stone mills date back to the 13th century and its primary use was to grind grain. Due to shifts in industry and reconstruction around the city, the mills were closed and abandoned in the 1940s as access to trade was blocked and the valley experienced great humidity.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangSeptember 11, 2019vallone de mulini, sorrento, italy, mills, abandonedComment

Street Views in Naples, Italy

Naples is without a doubt, a gritty city. From a bird’s eye view, the wide roads and colorful buildings look well kept, rolling down from the hill towards the water. A beautiful view of Mount Vesuvius echoes in the distance. One might mistake it for a southern Italian paradise. Unlike the picturesque Capri, Amalfi Coast, or even Sorrento, Naples is a rough around the edges, lived in city. The locals may speak little to no English. You’ll bend your ear to make sense of the few words you may have studied before landing here. This place isn’t catered to tourists. Nor should it be.

Travel, CityYafen LiangJuly 21, 2019travel, city, naples, italy, street views, birdseye view, birdseye, coastComment

Street Views in Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii was an ancient roman city, best known as the city buried under ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. While the ruins are well preserved and sees many visitors annually, the modern city of Pompeii on the periphery of the ruins is a bustling place, catering to tourists. Shops and restaurants line the street main street and if you are patient enough, you may spot the locals about their business.

City, TravelYafen LiangJuly 4, 2019city, travel, pompeii, italy, birdseye, birdseye viewComment

Arco Naturale in Capri, Italy

To see the Arco Naturale or “Natural Arch” in Capri, we decided to hire a boat to take us around the island. The arc is the remains of a collapsed grotto, dating back to the Paleolithic age. The hour long ride wasn’t cheap but it was a lovely private tour of the natural formations around the island, which took us into grottoes and through tricky waterways.

Nature, TravelYafen LiangJuly 4, 2019nature, travel, arco naturale, italy, capri, boatComment

Monte Solaro in Capri, Italy

Monte Solaro is the highest point on the island of Capri and easily accessible via a chairlift with 156 seats, taking passengers on a 13 minute ride each way. The lift offers 360 views of the striking blue waters and a peek at Mt. Vesuvius and the city of Naples.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangMarch 25, 2019travel, nature, capri, anacapri, monte solaro, italyComment

Anacapri in Capri, Italy

Anacapri, literally meaning above Capri, holds different status from the city of Capri though it shares the same island. A bus, winds through hairpin turns from Marina Grande to Anacapri for a small sum. To take the scenic route, hike up Scala Fenicia or the Phoenecian Steps for literally breathtaking views (the steep hike can leave unsuspecting tourists out of breath.)

Nature, TravelYafen LiangMarch 20, 2019nature, travel, capri, anacapri, italy, marina grande, scala fenicia, phonecian steps, monte solaro, islandComment