Aqua blue water glimmered from the horizon as I peered over my taxi driver’s shoulder. Above awaited a breath-taking view of a little coastal town known as Positano, Italy. Winding down a narrow street, I set my eyes on one of the most beautiful places I’d ever visited. I eagerly clutched my bags with excitement for the adventure that would lie ahead. For months I had dreamed of visiting the southern coastline of Italy. When I finally arrived, I couldn’t wait to get down to the ocean. Trailing down through narrow pathways, I admired the many ceramic shops adorned with hand-painted lemons. In my first few hours of arriving, I realized just how iconic the lemon was to this region. I lavished in new discoveries of lemon-infused entrees, drinks, gelato, and of course limoncello. My most anticipated find was limoncello, which was commonly served after dinner. I later learned that this tradition was thought to aid in digestion and to be shared for good health.

White linen beach attire paraded the several steep steps that beckoned visitors toward the beach. Dark decadent sand blanketed the concrete entrance to the shore. As I stepped out towards the ocean, a porcelain white foamy wave crashed down into the sand. Picturesque sherbet orange, antique yellow and coral pink buildings hugged the cliff-hanging perimeters of Positano. Euphoric feelings fill my fascinated mind as I sit in the sand and soaked in the sunrays. Looking back, this was by far one my most cherished experiences studying abroad in Italy. I enjoyed it so much that I returned for a second weekend closer to the town’s peak season of tourism. In my second visit I traveled to the island of Capri and collected arrangements of lemon-inspired ceramic souvenirs and candies to commemorate my experiences there. Exploring the Amalfi Coast was a time that I’ll cherish forever. I hope to someday return and explore more of the southern coastline of Italy.