I can’t think of anything more spectacular than spending a mild Spring day on the Isle of Capri—you know the place—the home of the caprese salad, capri pants, and of course, Sophia Loren.  And as it turns out, the most breathtaking scenery you could ever imagine. Just a short ferry ride from my temporary home base of Sorrento, Capri is an island of magnificent ancient architecture, colorful boats, and unique residences ever-so-gently perched on the side of lush, rocky cliffs.

After a funicolare tram ride up the steep mountain from the bay, to a plateau of amazing restaurants, gelaterias and high-end boutiques, Mary Lauren and I hiked up to the top of the mountain to Villa Jovis: the ruins of Emperor Tiberius’s 1^st-century A.D. villa.  Then a stop at the Augustus Gardens for a close-up view of the Faraglioni: three large rock formations sculpted by the sea and weather, the largest of which measures 111 meters tall.  We ended our afternoon with a Campari-Orange cocktail for Mary Lauren and a gin on the rocks with a squeeze of lemon for me, as we watched the ferry pull into the marina to take us back to Sorrento.

Sorrento (and I’m quite positive any of the cities on the Amalfi Coast) on a Saturday night at this time of year, is a delight.  Tourists and locals alike strolling down the streets towards their restaurant or café of choice, laughing and carrying on with their trademarked laid-back demeanor. Our dinner plans where at Ristorante Tasso (www.ristorantetasso.com) (most likely the restaurant that I will working in for the second half of my externship), right off of the main square in Sorrento proper.  We treated ourselves to a bottle of crisp white wine from Campania, an antipasto of bacon-wrapped shrimp with fried leeks and escarole, homemade cheese ravioli with a light pomodoro sauce, local sea bream with capers and olives, and a couple of espressos to end the night.  Just when you think your experience couldn’t possibly get any better, the waiter arrives with a complimentary glass of Limoncello.  Boy do I love this place.

Tagged: Capri, cooking school, externship, island, Italy, Le Cordon Bleu, Sorrento