The last Italian adventure…for now

After my visit to Pompeii, my husband and I spent a few days exploring the Amalfi coast. This breathtaking part of Italy is made up of many small villages built into the tall jagged cliffs of the seashore. Here is a map!

Driving along from Pompeii, we were simultaneously amazed and terrified by the dramatic twists and turns in the road as we moved further southeast. All the way, steep drop-offs to the ocean had us glued to the car windows. We marveled at the engineering it must have taken to construct this highway and were filled with admiration for the people who have lived here for generations - building their homes, churches, and local businesses right into the landscape of the rocky coast.

Throughout our visit to this part of Italy, we never got used to the magnificent views that could be had from each hamlet or village where we stopped along the way.

While reading up on one particularly distant pair of rocky islands and coves that could be seen a bit farther off the coast, it was exciting to make a connection to a third grade reading group selection - The Odyssey.

          This is a famous bust of the blind poet who put into            

               writing the amazing tale of Odysseus' journey 

                                         from Troy to Ithaca.

                  Here is a copy of just one of the many versions 

                                            of Odysseus' story.

The set of islands pictured below were the inspiration for part of Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey. We looked out at them each night from our spot on the cliffs! All Shore third graders read a version or two of this famous adventure story. I can only hope that you’ll all have the chance someday to read the longer, unabridged version, penned by Homer himself.

The story of Odysseus and his challenging journey home to 

Ithaca is filled with exciting obstacles that he and his crew must overcome, featuring monsters, storms, sorcery, and the intervention of gods/goddesses both for and against his successful return.

One of my favorite parts of the story is when Odysseus is warned about the mythical creatures known as The Sirens whose song is so pure and enticing, it can make any man forget his purpose and dive to his death in search of the source of their sweet song. Odysseus, being a hero with a deep sense of curiosity, feels that he absolutely must have the chance to hear the compelling song with his own ears. He commands his men to tie him tightly to the mast of their ship and makes them promise not to release the ropes that bind him, not matter how much he might beg or plead. Meanwhile, he insists that the crew plug their own ears with wax as they row quickly by the grotto where the sirens sing in an attempt to throw sailors off their course.

Here is a quote from Homer's Odyssey where Odysseus is warned by Circe of the Siren's threat...

 "'So far so good,' said she, when I had ended my story, 'and now pay attention to what I am about to tell you- heaven itself, indeed, will recall it to your recollection. First you will come to the Sirens who enchant all who come near them. If any one unwarily draws in too close and hears the singing of the Sirens, his wife and children will never welcome him home again, for they sit in a green field and warble him to death with the sweetness of their song. Therefore pass these Sirens by, and stop your men's ears with wax that none of them may hear; but if you like you can listen yourself, for you may get the men to bind you as you stand upright on a cross-piece half way up the mast, and they must lash the rope's ends to the mast itself, that you may have the pleasure of listening. If you beg and pray the men to unloose you, then they must bind you faster.

I loved looking out at these mighty rocks and imagining how at some point in history, story-tellers like Homer were inspired to come up with the idea of these mythical creatures singing across the waves with voices of perfection. Some nights, when trying to sleep, I was almost sure I could hear the faintest song blowing in on the wind…

A final highlight of the trip was a major trek to the top of the cliffs that run along the Amalfi Coast. While it might have been a more reasonable plan to catch bus to pick up what is famously known as “The Path of the Gods,” we decided to challenge ourselves with our own complex journey – or "odyssey" if you will.

So...we took the stairs to the head of the path! Believe me when I tell you that I have never seen so many stairs in all my life. But after climbing about 1,500 steps, we arrived safely (yet sore) in the quaint town of Nocella. Here, the villagers raise goats and chickens, grow fabulous gardens, and live and play much like you do at home.

Once we got to the trail head, I realized what an appropriate name “Path of the Gods” is for this amazing hike that weaves in and around the cliffs, up and over rocks, alongside a manmade, rickety wooden fence.

I didn’t run into any gods or goddesses along the way, but I certainly spent time reflecting on what a fabulous trip I’d had.

I realized that I am on a path of my own and how lucky it is that my path took me on such an amazing journey this summer. Not necessarily a path at the top of a cliff, but a path of life where I’m on the hunt for opportunities to learn, grow, feel inspired, fulfilled, and connected to those around me. Of course all paths can be bumpy at times, but in many ways that's what makes the journey most interesting. 

If you took the time to follow along the part of my life's path that took me on this two week adventure, then I am grateful to you. Additionally, I'm ever grateful to Shore and the Loring Award for making these kinds of opportunities available for teachers.

Ciao for now!

Mrs. Babcock