Arcadia Scotland

Studying abroad in Sorrento comes with many perks, one of the best being stunning views of the Amalfi Coast, just 30 minutes away. Positano, known for its vibrant small-town charm and sandy beaches, is a must-see on my list. As I wandered through its winding streets and soaked in the views, it was as if I had stepped inside a postcard. 

So follow along as I create my own postcard, not painted with ink but with the memories of my own experience.

Dear Adventure-Seeking Students, 

It was nearing the end of November and I still had not ventured out to the Amalfi Coast. Even though the peak of the season had passed, a visit to Positano was one of the things I wanted to do before my semester ended. Finally, a weekend came along where I had no plans and found myself staying in Sorrentoーperfect timing to mark Positano off my list. Most of my friends had visited either, for fun or as part of a school field trip, so that meant I was going solo. Which didn’t stop me any bit. It was the perfect weekend with the sun out and empty roads ahead.

I had originally planned to visit earlier in the season when the town was more lively, yet I keep postponing it. The main reason? The travel. Sure, Positano is only 30 minutes from Sorrento, but the Amalfi Coast’s twisty roads and wild traffic don’t mix with my motion sickness. The ferry seemed like an option, but after a rocky boat ride to Capri, I quickly ruled that out. With the streets of Sorrento calming down and traffic easing, I saw the perfect chance to hop on a bus and go!

The day started with an early morning stop at a café, where I grabbed a quick cornetto. With the taste of flaky pastry and jam still lingering, I headed to the station and boarded the bus. I put my headphones in and began to get lost in the music, letting my thoughts wander until the anticipation pulled me back. 

As the bus weaved its way along the Amalfi Coast, I couldn’t wait any longer. The moment the bus stopped, I got off eagerly ready to soak in the view I had dreamed about for so long. And there it was ーPositano. The pastel buildings clung to the mountainside, all stacked on top of each other. For a second time stopped, and I absorbed every detail ー the different shades of blue painted in the ocean, the intricate patchwork of the church nestled within the buildings, and the bustling life on the beach. 

My first destination was a small shop just a short walk from the bus stop, one that friends had raved about for perfect gifts. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by an explosion of colors and textures. Selves overflowed with handmade bags and clothes, each crafted from scraps of fabric. It felt like stepping into a tapestry of stories, with every piece whispering its own tale.

I wandered through the store searching for the perfect bag. As I browsed, the shop owner struck up a conversation, sharing the origin of her creations. She smiled warmly and said, “Every piece here is different. Each one carries a unique value and meaning.” 

At the time, her words felt like a simple sentiment, but now I realize it reflects my journey perfectly. Every postcard I’ve collected, every moment I’ve captured, holds a unique story, just like those bags. Positano became a part of my adventure, a moment of joy and freedom as I explored at my own pace, making sure I took in every second before it became a memory tucked away in my suitcase.

After spending a lot of money, I made my way towards the coast, stopping along the way at charming shops that caught my eye and making sure to snap a photo to show my family later. The streets of Positano felt quieter than they had just a few weeks ago. While it lacked the lively buzz I expected, I still found a way to savor every moment, making the most of what the day had to offer. 

As I descended my way towards the beach, the sweet smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble. It didn’t take long to realize that a sandwich on the beach was exactly what I needed. At a small shop near the shore, the friendly woman behind the counter asked what I’d like. I gave her my usual go-to response: “Whatever is your favorite.” Not being a picky eater, I’ve always loved the surprise of this approach - and it never disappoints.

Even now, I couldn’t tell you everything that was on my sandwich, other than sun-dried tomatoes and spiced salami, but it was absolute perfection. I enjoyed every bite as I sat on the beach, soaking up the sun and the beauty of the coastline. Even the persistent pigeons eyeing my sandwich seemed to agree. It was a hit for everyone. 

As I savored the last bite of my sandwich, my attention shifted towards a scene nearby on the beach, a man and his easel. His brush glided across the canvas as he painted the picturesque view of Positano. His work captured the town’s charming vibrant colors and even the people scattered on the beach. I tried to peek a little closer, hoping to see a speck of myself in his work. 

Just then a sailboat appeared on the horizon, gliding to a gentle stop just offshore. I watched as a man on the boat pulled out a camera, framing the town in his lens. He took a quick snapshot of the view before turning the boat back towards the open sea. 

Watching these moments unfold reminded me that, in a way, we’re all painting our own postcards. Some with paint, some with photos, some with words, and others with the memories we carry home. 

As the day drew to a close and I made my way back to the bus, I realized that Positano had become more than just a destination—it had become a chapter in my story. It wasn’t about checking off a list or capturing the perfect postcard moment. It was about embracing the quiet, solo moments that made the day truly memorable.

The most meaningful postcards, I realized, aren’t the ones we send to others, but the ones we create for ourselves through the memories and experiences we carry with us. And that’s exactly what Positano had given me—a piece of my journey that I’ll cherish, long after the images fade and the town becomes a distant memory.

Until the next adventure,

Olivia ;)