Island of Capri - a sparkling gem
Our most recent adventure took us to the stunning island of Capri where we joined our travel buddies Allison and Dave. This was NOT a business trip! Capri is part of the Amalfi Coast and has been a resort area for centuries.
We flew into Naples and took a hydrofoil to the island. Let's just say I am not a fan of the hydrofoil! We stayed in Anacapri which is a community on the island. It is a little less touristy than Capri Town. We took a very small bus from Capri and drove on a very small road with a series of hairpin turns. If two small buses needed to pass, there was barely an inch to spare. As the road twisted and turned up the mountain, you get a splendid view of Capri.
This is our hotel's breakfast area. It was a very sweet hotel and we were able to get a two bedroom apartment. Well sort of, D2 And A slept in the living-room/dining room on a pull out couch. We "won" the room in a Steelers/Ravens bet : ). But I still feel guilty for actually taking the room so we need to make this one up to them!
Capri is known for its handmade tiles,
which could be seen all over the island,
........sandals,
and lemons!
Specifically, the Limoncello (lemon liqueur served icy cold). The entire backyard of our hotel was filled with lemon trees. The story goes, the Grandmother of the current owner was the one who invented Limoncello. They were the biggest lemons we had ever seen.
Anacapri is a very beautiful town with white washed villas and very narrow alleyways.
How many engineers does it take to read a map and figure out how to get around this little island?
Obviously three! As you can see from our outfits, the weather was crisp.
Not sure if these are the bells we heard or not, but starting at 3 am every morning VERY LOUD bells went off every hour and half hour. On Sunday at 6 am, they went off for several minutes. No sleeping late in Anacapri!
Colorful shells in a shop.
Our second day we decided to take the VERY long hiking route along the western coastline to see the famous Blue Grotto. The landscape was extraordinary along this rugged path. There was wild lush landscape carved by the wind and sea.
and then you would pop out with a spectacular view of the sea.
The water was so clear and an intense cobalt blue.
This had to be one of the most beautiful walks on the island and we were very lucky to have the perfect day for our hike. D2 and A were prepared for this event with their proper walking shoes. D and I, on the other hand were trying to make our fashion statement, me in my boots
and D in his loafers.
Take a close look at these shoes as I will now show you where my nutty husband hiked in them.....
Look hard....he is out there. And if you think it does not look that far down, here is D's shot back up at us:
He claims it was all for Flat Stanley.
Our hike was dotted by sensational jagged cliffs. Unfortunately, the waters were too rough so the boats were not running to the Blue Grotto. Oh well, maybe next time!
It was a very peaceful ride and provided impressive views all the way up and back.
At the top, was a break-taking panoramic view of the Bay of Naples to the gulf of Salerno.
It also provided a brilliant view of the Faraglioni, the famous rock formation. It is said that a rare blue tinted lizard lives on the rocks and adapts it's scales to the blue tones of the sky and sea.
It also provided a nice place for a drink after a long day of hiking! Ah, this is the life!
After our glass of wine, more photo shoots with Flat Stanley. This series of photos is priceless! D2 posing with Flat Stanley.
D and A going for the money shot....
and the money shot! Yep, this Flat Staley has the best trip ever!
Our last day we visited the church of St. Michele Archangelo. Built in 1716 in the form of a Greek cross. It is famous for its hand painted majolica tiles which depict the story of Adam and Eve.
You are not allowed to walk on the tiles, but can walk around the edges on wooden planks. Best viewed from the choir section upstairs. It was very unique and beautiful.
And we saw Villa Jouis which was built for Tiberius in the beginning of the 1st century.
More great shots of Faraglioni from a slightly different view.
and of course.....and afternoon Gelato break!!!
We ended the night with a delicious meal cooked by D of Vongole Clams, fresh from the sea. He bought them that morning at the seafood shop down the street from our hotel.
and yummy appetizers by A made from all fresh ingredients from the island. We dined and watched a beautiful sunset from our window.
Another wonderful trip with our new friend, Flat Stanley!
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