I've been occupied...
...this week I've been bitten, kicked, slapped, splashed and dunked...
...a canoe has ripped a chunk of skin from a finger, a rock has slashed a deep cut in another, and something sharp gashed my foot!
All friendly though I might add. I have a young compagno (companion) and I also have the sea and rocks as a setting (hard life eh?!).
However, I have found time to eat...and I have found time to visit Capri.
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| Cappuccino and Cornetto |
Right, so the start to my day wasn't so brilliant. Things can't be perfect all the time. It was interesting to say the least...yes...interesting.
To arrive relaxed and in plenty of time for my 9.20am boat trip, I was advised to catch the bus at 8.35am (leaving from outside the house). It seems I never do what I'm advised to do, and leaving earlier, I thought it would be an even better idea to walk instead.
...I was wrong.
It was too hot. Especially too hot to be carrying a great big bag containing things I probably wouldn't need...and a dress, although cotton and light, suddenly seemed heavy and wool like in it's ability to hold in the sunshine. I was starting to sweat.
As I descended into town, one of the many scooters stopped alongside me. I understood (in my best interpretation) that I was being offered a lift. I said that I was happy walking, but he insisted that I couldn't walk in this heat...well, he did have a point. Ignoring every piece of information that has being fed to us from a young age in regards to not accepting lifts from strangers, I hopped (rather difficultly) onto the back. Off we went. At the bottom of the road, he checked again where I was wishing to go...
...the harbour.
Ok...I was given a helmet and we continued (the journey is only a few minutes by some form of motored transport). Suddenly, whilst driving (I thought Italians only chatted over their shoulder), I experienced what can only be described as an attempted touching up of a rather rude area (you figure it out).
'No,' I shouted, but calmly. I arrived in one piece and turned down the offer to meet for a drink later. I couldn't get angry. Somehow I laughed at the sheer audacity and gall of the incident happening at (looking at my phone) 8.20am. In London I would have been shocked, scared and frightened. In Italy, I shrugged my shoulders and muttered 'Boh!' (my favourite Italian phrase meaning 'I don't know!').
...I suppose those teachers, parents, adverts and programmes were right with their years of advice!
I had a cappuccino and cornetto (croissant) to steady myself. Another mistake (although it looks nice). Let's leave croissants to the French, where they are light, crispy and flakey. Here it wasn't. Croissants aren't a speciality. They are like most other supermarket Italian cakes and sweet breads. Sweet (of course). Heavy. Stodge and cake'ish. Not how you'd imagine a croissant. There was a very mysterious bit of jam that appeared in one corner...
This is a glimpse of my day.
On arrival into Anacapri I peered into the fascinating visible swimming pool through the walls of the Capri Palace Hotel...
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| Capri Palace Hotel swimming pool |
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| Capri Palace Hotel 'through the wall' vision of swimming pool |
I observed a little Hollywood movie porter moment (what with all the talk from my guide of recent Capri visitors such as Leonardo DiCaprio)...
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| 'Can I take your bags Sir?' |
I walked along the path and through the historic doorway entrance into Anacapri...
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| It's a doorway! |
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| It's rather old! |
Then I took the peaceful chairlift up to Monte Solaro, where an English lady on the other side shouted over rather brusquely 'oh..you look rather on your own don't you?!' I looked behind to see rows and rows of empty chairs and in front, rows of empty chairs. I was on my own. Bliss!
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| Away we go... |
I reached the top and had time to take in the view...
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| Go on, crack a smile love |
...time to enjoy the shade of the cafe...
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| The cafe scene...aah the shade |
...and time for a little light refreshment.
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| Perhaps this is why Italians are slim. Espresso vs venti latte from Starbucks? |
Then I waved goodbye...
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| Goodbye |
...and descended down to the bottom, where I was promptly whisked off for lunch in a local busy pizzeria, which was buzzing with life. I enjoyed a deliciously fresh tomato spaghetti, that had bite, taste and heart to it.
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| Grubs up! |
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| Just what I needed! Fresh tomato spaghetti |
Then I met a local painter...
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| Amazing |
...and visited the Church of San Michele.
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| Church of San Michele, Anacapri |
Was impressed by the floor.
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| Incredible |
Then I took a little walk...
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| Did anyone say Polly Pocket? |
I saw another church...
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| Another church |
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| It has a little history too! |
...and another church!
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| Have my prayers been answered yet? |
A walk through the streets of Capri...
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| Very very busy down Capri's 'Sloane Street' |
A look at the clock tower and something expensive...recognise the clock face??
A quick hello to the hotel porter (the only electric motored vehicles allowed through the centre).
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| Get ready for your close up |
Time for an oogle at something naughty...
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| Yuuuuum |
A picture with my personal guide Peppe.
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| Grazie mille! |
A walk to and around Giardini Augusto.
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| Welcome! |
The best view from the top.
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| Beautiful |
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| Via Krupp zig zag road |
Then time for a lemon and orange granita. A lovely Italian sweet, refreshing icey pick me up to revive my tired, hot self.
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| What flavour do you want? |
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| Refreshing |
My day was nearly over. I then took an hour boat trip around the Island to see all the grottos and exquisite landmarks. It is also where my phone battery died
...at least I got to sit back and enjoy the sights.
...I also enjoyed a stracciatella and nocciola gelato....but I got to enjoy that in private too!!
