The first thing we did when we got off the ferry was take a two hour boat ride around the island. It was a reasonably price, but they didn't tell us that this price did not include going into the Blue Grotto. The Blue Grotto is a little cave that you can row into. It's highly recommended, but I would have liked more if I didn't have to shell out another 11.50 to see it. It is an experience though. These little row boats approach the big boat and we hop on in. There can only be 4 people per boat, because it gets a little tight when going into the cave. The hole is about three feet by two feet- just enough to fit the row boats in. We had to lay down to get through, and our guide basically laid on top of us. Once we were in, it's pretty dark and pretty small and they row you to the back of the cave. Once there, you can turn around and it looks really cool- the water was this crazy color of blue because of the sun and it reflected all around the cave. The guide of the row boats that were in there had a little song to a beat of a drum because this is where the Sirens of Greek mythology supposedly stayed. It was a beautiful song and my guide had a great voice, but not 11.50's worth of goodness was experienced in that cave. Maybe 7.50. Maybe.
After that, we went to eat. Whenever I'm out, I always find a little place with paninis because they are cheaper than everything else. Paninis are grilled sandwiches, and I always get caprese because that's the cheapest and most delicious one- it has tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and olive oil with toasted bread. Always a delight. Next we went up to the town of Capri to get to Anacapri, another town on the other side of the island. Anacapri reminded me a lot of Peru as far as the economy and state of the houses were concerned. We took a swing up to the top of Anacapri, which was the highest point of the island. Thus far we had been underneath, around, and atop the island- not too shabby. The view was AMAZING and I would say the best thing I did that day. We decided to hike down just because I'm cheap, even though both Annie and I were in dresses and sandals. It supposed to take an hour to get down, but it took us 30 minutes, probably because it started sprinkling.
Then we met the coolest Italian man ever. He spoke English but he had a German accent, so naturally we were confused. He explained that in Northern Italy, there are parts that still speak only German because that part of Germany was given to Italy after World War I (if someone could please fact check this for me, that would be great). He was so nice and it was refreshing to have a real conversation with a man, not just someone who is trying to get us to buy their things or are hitting on us.
After that, we went back across the island to Capri and got our overpriced and delicious espresso. We saw another bride and groom after they got married (my 5th one in the past ten days), which just reminded me how much I want that and how impatient I am. We walked around and looked at overpriced stores, but there was one that I was impressed with. It was a perfumaria that is unique to Capri. They take local plants and create them into perfumes, so the scents are native and unique to Capri. I wasn't impressed enough to buy a 40 Euro perfume, however delicious it did smell. I'm just not a perfume conesseur, or else I'm sure I would have been more apt to buy something.
I did, however, buy some pricey wine for Steven's parents. The second night I was in Italy, I went to a wine tasting at my professor's apartment. Before I knew the price, I knew I loved this wine. Then she told me how expensive it was, and I kind of choked a little. But I decided it was a good buy because they would really appreciate it. Plus, they guy selling it to me took 7 Euro off the tag price because it was obvious I knew what I was doing. It's just interesting how I would rather spend a pretty penny on wine for someone else but it kills me to spend 11.50 on the Blue Grotto. Pondering...
Overall, I was not that impressed with Capri. Sure, it was beautiful, but it's so vain. They charge people out the wazoo unnecessarily because they know they can. I just don't buy into the whole thought process that just because there's a 500 Euro tag on a purse makes it that much better and functional than one with a 25 Euro tag. I was mad that I spent money to go into the Blue Grotto (and mad that they didn't tell you up front that there would be an extra charge for it), mad that EVERYTHING cost money (you couldn't go anywhere without spending at least a few bucks), and just overall frustrated because I could have done everything a lot cheaper if I would have talked to a penny-pincher instead of reading the stupid tour books. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret going (pretty much because that's the only thing to do in that part of Italy), but I would have made vastly different decisions had I known what I know now.
After we left Capri, we went to a restaurant in Sorrento called "Da Filipo". They have a free taxi service, so they picked us up at the bed and breakfast and hauled us over. In the van were people from Missouri, Iowa, and New Jersey and it was so awesome to have an American conversation. The food at this place was all local (they have a fowl farm there, complete with turkeys, ducks, and geese), and it was good. I got seafood linguine which was a winner, and one of Annie's dishes was grilled mozzarella between lemon leaves. It was awesome! Lemons are a HUGE part of the culture in southern Italy (they are usually the size of small soccer balls- they are massive) and we had lemon olive oil which I'm going to have to invest in. Our waiter was so gross though. Multiple times he asked Annie and I if we wanted to go down to the ports that night to have a good time. We said no every single time, but he insisted on filling up our wine glasses almost to the top. I can't wait to get back to America where I am used to the culture and manners of men.
The next day we signed up for a tour of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. We were at our stop 15 minutes before the bus was going to pick us up at 7:45. At 8:10 Annie got a call from the bus saying that he left without us. Um, excuse me? We saw a lot of busses drive by, even one that said "Amalfi Drive", but none stopped. Obviously if the driver could call us, he knew he was supposed to pick us up. The lady that organized the bed and breakfast, Daniella, came up to meet us. She was so amazing about it- she returned our money and promised to call them and give them a stern talking to. I believe her because that's a poor reflection on the company, and not Daniella. Plus, women in this part of Italy were a little more outspoken than the other that I have met.
So we just went back to Rome. It was supposed to be about an hour to Amalfi and another hour to Solerno (where we catch the train), but it took us three because of "construction". Who does construction on Sundays? Especially in Italy! But, in the classic Italian way, when we drove by we just saw people in orange vests standing around. At least the drive is beautiful. It's along the coast with one foot separating you from a 500 foot drop to the sea. It's really amazing and gorgeous- the trip to Sorrento was worth the ride along the coast! We finally got to Solerno, bought our tickets to Rome, and alas, we were home sweet home.
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