Naples

After visiting Pompeii we spent the rest of the afternoon in the port of Naples.

Myself and mom.

Enjoying a late lunch at Ristorante Da Annarella.

Jenny, mom, and Liz.

Castel Nuovo.

We came across a lovely little succulent garden next to the Romeo Hotel.

Jenny.

On the way back to the ship we stopped at Caffetteria e Pasticceria Marsicano for some treats. We got little cups of chocolate and the traditional sfogliatelle; a crispy layered pastry sprinkled with powdered sugar and a creamy filling that has a hint of citrus.

Myself, Jenny, mom, and Liz.

Rain clouds behind Mount Vesuvius open to reveal a patch of blue sky.

Mount Vesuvius with the sunset over Naples reflecting in the glass.

Photo by Liz Kasper.

Posing in front of a flower screen on the ship.

Much to our surprise the ship sailed past an active volcano that night. The island of Stromboli has a small population and the volcano has been consistently active for several thousand years. It is nicknamed the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean”. It was absolutely astonishing to see the neon eruption late at night, highlighted by an almost full moon. Incredible to think that the first time we saw an active volcano was the same day we walked through the streets of Pompeii.

Cotton Candy Sky

Admiring the clouds just after the sunset.

Morning Star

Hazy Afternoon at The Beach

For New Years I went with my mother for a walk at Indian Shores Beach. It was chilly and the dense fog was eerily beautiful.

Mount Charleston

For the final day of my trip to Las Vegas we visited Mount Charleston and the surrounding area.

Mike and Emily on one of the trails up the mountain.

The charred remains of a tree that had been in a recent forest fire.

Emily and Mike enjoying the view.

Spartacus.

Photo by Emily Jensen.

An old log covered in scars.

A small patch of snow.

The beautiful surface of a rock.

The mountains across from the Visitor Center.

Some of the lovely views of the desert as we drove home.

For dinner that night Emily and Mike made a lovely home cooked diner with marinated chicken, avocado, sweet potato, and a salad.