Journey into the Boot: Stella Maris, Proteggi Naviganti

August 5, 2016

Our trip is a combination of business, pleasure and pilgrimage. The next three days will be the business portion which is the main reason why we came to Italy. But honestly, if all business is handled this way, I wouldn't mind spending the next two weeks transacting business.

Today we boarded our host and hostess' floating home. It is beautiful beyond words. They were very kind to invite us to Italy to be with them for a few days. Yes, there will be business conversations and meetings, but there will be even more friendship, camaraderie, wine, food and enjoyment of all things Italian.

We sailed from Rome to Sorrento, a trip that took nine hours on the beautiful Mediterranean waters. The blue of this sea is hard to describe so I'll just share it:

We sailed down the coast of Italy and passed the towns of Lazio and Naples, and the isles of Ischia and Capri:

At 4 o'clock we finally spotted Sorrento. We entered the marina and were greeted by this beautiful image:

I learned that the Stella Maris is our Lady, Star of the Sea, who protects all sailors. She is a sign of hope and a guiding star for the sailors who make their living of the sea. She also intercedes as a guide and protector of those who travel. Therefore, for the rest of our trip, I will be interceding to the Stella Maris for her guide and protection.

And under the statue of our Lady, I captured this beautiful picture of the port of Sorrento at dawn:

Tomorrow, we will start to explore this beautiful area. Tonight we had dinner in the boat, a delicious corvina baked in salt.

I am so exhausted that my eyes are closing, and the wifi is not cooperating. I will post this as soon as I can connect and have the time because in Italy, there's no time to waste. Buona notte!!!