Capri

We were up and at ’em early the next day for our day in Capri. We needed to get to the train station by the scheduled departure time of 8:30. We had a cappuccino at the station while we waited. The train was a bit late. Naples’ train system is not the well-oiled machine that Bari’s is.

In a few stops, we hopped out and headed to the ferry terminal. We did not realize how many steps we would have to go down! We laughed. We were NOT going to hike back up those, we were certain! We vowed to take a taxi, if necessary.

Getting onto the ferry was VERY unpleasant. The moment the ferry allowed folks up the gangplank, the crowd surged forward. There was no line, no order— everyone fought for position. WHY for Pete’s Sake! Nancy felt a little concentration campish for a moment or two. We got separated in the melee. Lisa, Ty, and I got a fantastic spot upstairs on the deck outside. We chatted with a family from North Carolina. Jim, Nancy, and Jim ended up downstairs in the cabin. It’s only a 25-minute ride.

I didn’t know much about what I wanted to do, but I did know that I wanted to take the cable car. The funicular was either broken or being repaired. This played a major role in buses cramming passengers in so tightly they resembled sardines in a can. Really! It was comical how we were tossed into stranger’s laps and each other as we hurtled onwards and upwards with sheer cliffs and breathtaking (terrifying?) views.

We found a nice restaurant for lunch. The chef had just made some fresh pesto. WOW. I honestly think that was the best thing we ever put in our mouths! Sated, we searched out the cable car. I was surprised, it was a single seat. It was SO peaceful on the way up, you could hear birds singing and the breeze in the trees. The views were astonishing.

We ended up waiting in a LONG line for the bus down. We were surprised, every time a bus stopped, it was already mostly full and only about 3 folks could get on. We were going to miss our ferry home at this rate. We were right by a taxi stand. How much for a ride down the hill? 35 euro. Mamma Mia! Why didn’t we do that MUCH earlier?

Some snoozed on the way back to Capri, others sat upstairs enjoying the breeze and fresh air.

When we arrived back in Sorrento, we followed some signs for an elevator! up to the town. Really? Yep, we each paid €1,50 each and got a ride up to the top. We were elated that we did not have to hike UP, UP, UP those stairs!

We wandered around Sorrento, got an aperitivo, and headed home on the train. It was VERY late. There was a crowd on the platform. We thought, good grief. But it wasn’t bad and a few of us even got some seats!

We walked home in the warmth of the evening. We had our host order us a pizza for delivery and relaxed on the terrace – enjoying the company and the views.

paleremo presto