This is the second part to a multipart series about the journey I took throughout July. If you’d like to read part one, please click here: https://obriencg.com/my-july-journey-part-one/.

After a short flight from Paris, France, to Naples, Italy, I made my way onto the shuttle bus to the terminal, breathing in the beautiful, albeit intensely hot Mediterranean air. I dutifully collected my bag from the baggage claim and while it was 4:35 p.m. local time, my body seemed to think it was early morning. I was grateful I’d slept for about seven hours between both flights, so I felt fairly rested as I looked through a sea of cab drivers, waiting to notice one with a sign that read my name.

When I found the correct cabbie, he introduced himself as Carmine, grabbed my bags, and we walked through the parking deck to his wonderfully air-conditioned Mercedez Benz Sprinter. This ride was graciously provided by my Uncle Teddy – who will be referred to as Zio Teo for the remainder of this series.

The ride from Naples to Sorento takes about 90 minutes without traffic, but this ride took closer to 150 minutes. Much like American cities (and tourist spots), Italian cities (and tourist spots) can have intense traffic congestion. But that’s okay because Carmine and I had a lot to talk about. And while Carmine didn’t speak much English, and I didn’t speak much Italian, we were lucky to have Google Translate on our phones. It was such a perspective-widening experience to have a full conversation with a fellow human without having to speak the same language. He would say something into his phone in Italian and hand me his device. Then I would read the English translation. I would speak English into my phone and hand him my device for him to read the Italian translation.   

Carmine lived in the nearby town of Massa Lubrense with his wife and two sons. His older son was a wedding videographer and after viewing some of his work, I admit, I was impressed. He had such an appreciation for detail and finding the perfect moments to capture. I showed Carmine photos of my children and told him about my life in America and my ancestors who originally came from Italy many years ago.

At one point, we were stuck in traffic inside a tunnel. Carmine suggested in a very loving and fatherly way that I might want to close my eyes for a bit. And while I didn’t fall asleep it was nice to relax after my long day of travel. After quite some time had passed, I noticed the lighting in the car change. I opened my eyes, looked out of the window, and my jaw dropped to the floor. I had made it to the Amalfi coast. And it was a beautiful sight to see.

The Gulf of Naples had water bluer than the sky, but perhaps more eye-catching were the buildings and rocks that surrounded the water. I stared out the window and was enamored by the world around me. I hadn’t heard Carmine speak, but he handed me his phone and I read, “Are you enjoying the view?” I exclaimed, “È bellissimo!” And he smiled and laughed with a twinkle in his eye.

The remainder of the ride included me gawking at the phenomenal scenery, Carmine getting a kick out of my facial expressions, and us laughing together. At one point, he told me to look out the passenger side to get a view of the Castellammare di Stabia – which was a stunning castle built on the water over 2,000 years ago. The history and stability of such an old structure is nothing less than mind-blowing.

He then let me know we’d arrive at my hotel in about 45 minutes. So, I sent a text message to my cousin, Francesca, and let her know my estimated time of arrival. I had made it. And soon, I’d begin one of the most magical vacations of my lifetime, surrounded by people who have known me and loved me for my entire life.