An early ferry to Capri Island, this time to stay for the night. Have I mentioned yet that dragging luggage on cobblestone streets with crazy scooter drivers practically running you over is a bit stressful? Once on Capri, though, it was easier – still cobblestones, but mostly you don’t have to share the narrow alleys with bus drivers, scooters and the 3 wheel delivery trucks that are everywhere here in Italy. Capri is upscale – the funicular from the port dumps you off at Prada and Ferragamo. We made it to our hotel, and met the nicest Italian so far, who gave us a nice orientation of the island, and offered us some nice cold lemon soda – very welcome, as it was pretty hot today.
We’re staying in Capri, but much of the tourist action is in Anacapri– the other town on the island. So another bus, pizza in town, and then a ride up the chair lift (single file) to the top of Mt. Solaro, the highest point in Capri. The view was spectacular (the chairlift? not so much…)
But we didn’t perish, and Rich’s hat survived the journey (unlike, apparently, many other visitors, as the ground beneath the chair lift was littered with lost headgear).We walked to a nice garden for some photos
, and then headed down to the Blue Grotto. We already knew that it was possible to swim into the grotto after hours and avoid the tourist trap prices and lines, but our hotel manager tipped us off that because full season here isn’t yet going, the boat drivers cut out early So we were able to swim into the grotto around 4 pm instead of 6, and the light was great to experience this natural wonder. Once inside the cave, the water is spectacularly blue. And we had to completely to ourselves, at least for awhile. The pictures don’t do it justice, but here’s a shot of Kat floating in the grotto.
Back to Capri town, and we encountered a parade – actually the Festival of Saint Vincent. All of the local nuns, church leaders, and some sort of band paraded through Capri carrying a big silver saint.
Typical of Italy, it was chaotic and disorganized, but very enjoyable (and for Rich, who doesn’t much care for parades, blessedly brief). A nice dinner in a family-owned restaurant with delicious antipasti, and some reconnaissance to discover the best gelato (actually, Rich followed some nuns, and indeed, much to my surprise, they led us straight to a gelato shop). Finally, a fireworks display over the sea. Another lovely day in Italy.
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