In one way, my mornings are somewhat the same, starting with a couple espresso coffees and a pastry from the little shop down the street. (We stop by each evening and select something different to try. Most notable, they’re not nearly as sweet as their American counterparts, though they’re beautiful to look at!) Today we set out a bit earlier, taking the train again to Sorrento where we walked through a lovely garden (“belevedere”, as the guys called it…belle/beautiful …vedere/to see view) (more greens than flowers this time of year) until time to go to the docks to catch our boat to the island. At the base of a l-o-n-g hill, on the warf, we came across many cats and kittens (of course, much to my delight!) All seemed relaxed and cared for to some degree, and I managed to scoop up a small kitten so Billy could get a picture. …but moving on…half-hour boat ride to Capri…lovely marina…white-washed hillside homes, and the need to ride the funicular to Capri Town at the top. Billy & I took pictures of the vista on a beautiful blue-sky day, after which we walked quickly past the town and headed downhill quite a ways to a lovely terrace and gardens for more views. We overlooked a winding pathway (the Via Krupp) that descended down and down the steep cliffside…I couldn’t imagine walking down, much less up! (Think “Grand Canyon”!) Across the way we could see a monastery, San Giaccomo, built in the 1300s, and headed in that direction to see the grounds. While expansive, it wasn’t greatly notable except for a few rooms with large paintings. Shortly we came to cavernous chapel without pews. We were aware of our voices carrying, but it wasn’t until we heard a meow that sounded like a lion’s roar and we all turned to see a small puss strolling through the doorway, coming toward us. Billy had the foresight to switch to movie mode and captured it…it was truly awesome! By the time the kitty reached us, we were sure we were in the presence of a throaty male, though a quick check did not give us a definitive answer. He (or she) was quite friendly and stayed with us as we walked around. And so, “favorite kitty” because my photo choice of the day. (In this country, how could you select *one* landmark as the photo-of-the-day?!) As the afternoon wore on, we hiked back uphill and past one high-end shop after another. Wonderful window-shopping, and fun to people watch as well. We passed a friar wearing sandals and his long brown robe. He had white hair & beard and a marvelous round belly sashed with a rope belt and crucifix. (Billy noted that he looked a bit like Perry Mason in later years, if that helps with the image.) We eventually found ourselves back in the town square where we stopped in an open-air café for an espresso. Alongside, a bell tower rang the time every fifteen minutes, and when the time arrived, we headed back to the marina and our boat. Only then did I discover that, over the course of the day, my camera had been date-stamping some of my pictures. I was crushed… I don’t know why it happened to some and not all, but I hope I resolved the problem. Aboard the boat we struck up a conversation with the friar, and it turned out he was from the US…though he lent some nice local color to our photos of him. Back at the dock, One Euro got us a tram ride back up that l-o-n-g hill…money well spent! We’re getting lots of train rides, and so it was, back to Vico and our flat.
I don’t know that I’ve mentioned that we don’t have an Internet connection here, though if we sit out on the balcony, *sometimes* we can pick up a signal, so we write offline and send and receive when we can. In the little extra time, I’m trying to write in a journal Heather gave me last Christmas, write a few email, and go through pictures. I need Billy to lean over my shoulder and tell me the names of some of the places we’ve visited or they’ll be lost forever. Lots to learn and much to see and do.
Until later…I’m so happy to be back in touch, even a little.
11-09 (Tuesday) It’s raining and I’m writing by the light from the kitchen filtering out on the balcony. I suppose this in and of itself would make a funny picture! At least it’s not cold! (yet)
I know you will have an awesome time there! I'm so envious of the sights you are seeing. I know you don't have Internet access so I'll cherish every photo you are able to upload.
:-)
You have it good Louise :o) Of which I am sure you deserve. Glad to have you back posting photos, 365 has not been the same without you :o) xXx
At least you will feel at home.
Good shot - I like the way he's just sitting on the pew there.
Glad to hear & see you are all enjoying yourselves.
Lots of STAIRS in Italy :)
Great story too!