Mozerella and More

We chose to leave the port city of Naples, which we had explored previously, and embark on an adventure in nearby Sorrento. [Jason and Beka will be happy to know "we do not want to go to Pompeii!] Not only did our day trip stimulate our taste buds but also took in a charming, rustic atmosphere and some breathtaking views. As we left Naples, we saw the iconic volcano, Mount Vesuvius looming over the Bay of Naples.

We headed to our final destination, famous for its cliffside setting, lemon groves, and known as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast. The views from the coach were impressive as we hugged the cliffside road and gazed down at least 100 feet to the town below and water's edge.

After we admired the beautiful, panoramic scenery we made our way to a quaint, Sorrento farmhouse, nested amoung the hills in the heart of the city. There at the antique wine cantina we learned the process of producing handmade mozzarella.

Afterwards we indulged in a snack of fresh cheese, tomatoes, salami as we sat surrounded by lemon trees.

Following a sip of some delectable limoncello liqueur, we walked to the Sorrento main square. There we found a small shop where we attended a wood inlay demonstration from a skilled, local artisan. Sorrento has been renowned for its exquisite woodworking and marquetry for centuries. Inlaid wood, known as "intarsio" in Italian, is a decorative technique where pieces of wood veneer are fitted together to create intricate patterns, images, or designs. Sorrento's artisans have perfected this craft over generations, making it an integral part of the city's cultural heritage. Some facts you might find interesting about Sorrento's inlaid wood tradition include:

• History: The art of inlaid wood in Sorrento dates back to the 14th century, with significant development during the 19th century.
• Techniques: Artisans use various types of wood, including walnut, olive, lemon, and orange wood, to create detailed designs.
• Products: Common items featuring inlaid wood include furniture, music boxes, picture frames, and decorative panels.
• Motifs: Typical designs include geometric patterns, floral arrangements, landscapes, and scenes from daily life in Sorrento.

Here's some photos of these amazing works of art [Can you guess which one we had shipped home for our future enjoyment?]