Today was a sad day to think I was leaving the most gorgeous Positano and the wonderful people I’ve met. I didn’t need to leave till after lunch so I spent the day relaxing in the sun and packing up my things.
People are walking in and out as everyone surfaces from their night out, people checking in and out. I just chat with the hostel staff as they go about their day.
It’s not long before it’s time to say my farewells and head for the bus stop. It’s a 5 hour bus trip.

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As I arrive at the stop it’s the busy stop I’ve come to know but like nothing I’ve seen anywhere else. The narrow winding roads make it difficult for larger vehicles to pass through so there’s a traffic control person blowing his whistle and letting traffic come and go.
The situation on this intersection is crazy, and it’s not a regular bus stop either, you just basically stand outside this deli/bar/cornerstore. I’m not entirely sure which side of the road to stand on so I see a gorgeous old lady sitting watching the world go by and approach her.
I showed her my tickets. She speaks to me in Italian but gestures Im in the right spot. I tell her I love Positano and she speaks back to me and basically said that she was born there. I say “bene” which means good and tell her she is so fortunate.
The bus arrives and there’s a few others that have joined me in the time I’ve been waiting. The bus driver is kind and tells me we will have one changeover in Sorrento.
I am feeling so confident in my plans and know that i am going to arrive safely. There’s only a few of us on the bus and we are all heading to Roma.There is something very special about leaving by bus because the road hugs the coastline and it’s amazing.

I really wanted to get some sleep but not till my bus had changed over. Which after some googling I realized the longer part of the trip would be the second bus so I just sit back and admire the views until we get to Sorrento and there are many views to be had.
It’s time for a nap and also some research about the best way to get to my hostel from the bus station. I know there were a few options so I wasn’t too concerned and I also wanted to wait to see what time it was going to arrive before making other plans.
Every now and again my inner control freak comes out and I check maps to make sure we are heating in the right direction.
The bus pulls in and there are people everywhere. This station is a few kms away from my hostel, which I would ordinarily be happy to walk, but I have another option in grabbing a cab. So I can’t seem to spot the taxi rank so as I always do I just found people and asked till I get to my taxi.
The driver is lovely and tells me his brother is in Melbourne and we have a good conversation with the little English that he spoke. And then the moment has arrived 5-10 minutes later I arrive at The Yellow. It’s a hostel with some incredible reviews and well known for being a party hostel. The streets were very busy with people but obviously had a good vibe. It’s about 10.30pm by now and I pop up to the front counter and check in.
I’m greeted warmly and given so much information which I am sure I’m going to forget half of it. I am given a yellow wristband to wear which is an added benefit of booking directly through the Yellow. This yellow wristband gives you 20% off all drinks at the hostel bar. Perfect. I’m going to use that straight away.

After checking the room out I decide I need something to eat and a drink before I head to bed. This turned out to be the best decision ever! I quickly pass reception to confirm where the bar was located (see I’d already forgotten). I didn’t realize this hostel takes up 4 buildings in the street, the laundromat, and then of course the bar which is right across the street.I am just about to step inside and the just as I do this guy catches my eye and says hey! He introduces himself as Jeff and tells me once I’ve got a drink to come join them. He points to a group and I’m sold. They’re the loudest table sitting outside, so I definitely know they are my kind of people.I sit down and am introduced around. Let me introduce them to you.

Jeff – is Canadian 30 year old who’s the old guy in his family not in the military or law enforcement Alice – a 25 year old Russian traveling the world to find suppliers for her jewelry company who’s birthday would be at midnight tonight Eryck – a Chinese guy, now living in NYC who is an engineer who does the best impersonation of Leslie Chow from the Hangover. Tee – a 29 year old American who is currently contracted to work for the Italian navy. Richard – A mid twenties British guy who was on this trip after a long term relationship, so he can ‘find himself’ and attend a wedding of a friend. Billy – a young Ohio guy with a sense of adventure and a warm smile.

It’s those moments where the planets align and it all just clicks. I love how things just click and you feel like family in the shortest space of time.
We spent the night partying together and had an amazing evening. First night in Rome = success!!!