Onwards and upwards to Castellammare Di Stabia

After checking out of the Zara Hotel in the rundown neighborhood of Naples station, I made my way to Naples Garibaldi Station for the train journey to Castellammare Di Stabia.

As I approached the station, I couldn’t help but notice the long queues at the ticket office, stretching out like a never-ending serpent.

It seemed as though the travelers there were stuck in a time warp, waiting patiently in line to purchase their train tickets. I couldn’t help but wonder, why don’t they just use contactless payment like I did?

I breezed past the ticket office, feeling a sense of satisfaction as I tapped my bank card on the electronic ticket gate. It was a seamless process, quick and efficient. The convenience of modern technology had certainly spoiled me, and I couldn’t fathom why anyone would willingly subject themselves to the tedium of standing in those queues.

As the train chugged away from the city, I gazed out of the window, eagerly anticipating the sights that lay ahead. It didn’t take long for Mt. Vesuvius to come into view, its majestic silhouette looming over the horizon like a guardian of the land. The thought of the immense power that volcano held in its slumber was both awe-inspiring and humbling.

Continuing on our journey, we passed by the ancient ruins of Pompeii, a place frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius. The remnants of this once-thriving city served as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of human civilization.

Finally, the train pulled into the charming town of Castellammare Di Stabia. I stepped onto the platform with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The Mediterranean Rooms awaited me, promising a cozy haven in this picturesque coastal town. As I walked through the charming streets, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore the rich history and natural beauty of this region. My Italian adventure was far from over, and I couldn’t wait to see what new experiences lay ahead in Castellammare Di Stabia.

I messaged Anna, the owner of the Mediterranean Rooms as she had instructed me to do upon my arrival. Within minutes, my phone buzzed with a reply. She provided me with clear instructions on how to access the keys, and I was grateful for her prompt response.

The front door to the Mediterranean Rooms clicked open, and I stepped inside. The first thing that struck me was the spaciousness and cleanliness of the room. It was a breath of fresh air after a long day of travel. The pristine white walls and tasteful decor gave the room a welcoming ambiance. Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a warm glow over the space.

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment as I settled into my temporary home. The comfortable bed beckoned to me, promising a restful night’s sleep. The Mediterranean Rooms felt like a hidden gem, and I knew I had made the right choice for my stay in Castellammare Di Stabia.

As I unpacked my belongings and took in the tranquil atmosphere, I marveled at how technology had made my journey so much smoother, from the contactless payment at the train station to the instant communication with Anna. It was a reminder of how far we had come in simplifying the travel experience, and I couldn’t help but appreciate these modern conveniences that made exploring the world all the more enjoyable.

You may have noticed in a previous photo that the railway station in Castellammare has another purpose, it is also the lower station for the cable car to the top of Mount Faito. So in a reckless moment of haste I purchased a return ticket and entered the cable car station.

As there were 10 minutes to wait I looked around and could see into the motor room with the winding gear spinning away and the electric motors humming quietly.

The cable car slowly began its ascent, and as we gained elevation, the world below transformed into a breathtaking panorama. To the east, the majestic Vesuvius loomed, its iconic silhouette dominating the horizon. Its history of destruction juxtaposed with the serene beauty of the moment.

The views extended far beyond Vesuvius, revealing a patchwork of vibrant green forests and the azure waters of the Gulf of Naples. The Amalfi Coast stretched along the coastline, each charming village nestled against the cliffs like precious gems in a necklace.

As we reached the summit of Mount Faito, I disembarked and marveled at the cool mountain air. There was a sense of peace up here, a world away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. I wandered along scenic trails, the scent of pine trees filling the air.

As the day drew to a close, I descended in the cable car once more, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. A magnificent sunset unfolded over the bay, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Sorrento, bathed in the soft, warm light, looked like something out of a dream.

This cable car journey had been a revelation, a tapestry of natural beauty, history, and tranquility woven together. It was a day etched into my memory, a reminder of the wonders that await those who seek adventure in the enchanting region of Campania

And so that ends the day here, hope to see you all tomorrow.

TTFN

Bibbley