Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Spring Break '05 | Day 7

Awoken by the early morning hustle and bustle from the outside I felt a chill in the air. I guess we had forgotten to close the window last night and a breeze had cooled the room. I was the first to wake up and notice bug bites running along my arm and some spots on my neck. I showered up quickly as if they could've been some rash reaction to the sheets but they were bites. Shana had them too but not to the same degree.

As everyone got themselves ready for the day I went up to the balcony one story up to check out the spectacular view of the island. We checked in our bags at the hostel and went out to exchange currency at the bank across the street. For this beautiful morning we decided on a good breakfast to start the day. There was a great place nearby just a short walk from the hostel. Shana treated us to fresh squeezed orange juice and some pastries. I picked out a scrumptious Easter cake. As it was a family run store, the grandfather working behind the counter engaged Shana in conversation and suggested a route for us to follow on the island.

At the start of the trail we found a local market store to buy a bottle of water. The path led us up and down small foot roads along the mountain until we reached a viewing area overlooking the Arc Naturale, a towering foundation of rock that had been eroded to form a natural arch of stone. Much like the monkey that I am I climbed up a vertical part of the rock and found a nice little path up to a better view of the island. As we descended down the mountain path a couple of stray dogs started to follow us as guides. At the bottom of the arch was a cave carved by the motions of the sea. Moving on, we found a tile plaque that gave us directions to a beach down a steep path. Shana read the sign to say that it is 300 meters down, or as she erroneously put it about 1.5 miles. The climb down was fairly easy but the ascent back up took a toll on us and sapped a lot of energy. Completing the trail back around we glanced by the house of the famous poet Pablo Neruda. At the end of excursion we came back from whence we started and thanked the man for offering such an outing.

Picking up our bags we took the bus back down the cliffs to the city of Capri. By noon the sun had snuck out from the partly misty morning so we purchased tickets for a boat ride to the famous Blue Grotto. The boat took us to just outside the grotto where we had to pay again for a small personal boat ride through the narrow entrance into the grotto. This being my second time into the mystic cave and it still amazes me. The water inside is enhanced by the striking sunlight from the outside thus creating an aura of blue tranquility on the surface. I sang along to the tune of “O solo mio…” as did the boat rowers.

Once we returned to port it was time to purchase our return tickets for the ferry back to Naples. Waiting in the slow line made for a pleasant chat with the locals. With some time before we had to board the boat, I slipped my shoes off to walk in the clear waters off the beautiful shore. Prior to boarding I found an internet station to send a few emails out and purchase a sandwich for the return trip. As the boat took off the three of us found a nice seating area with a table to share in the wine, cheese and crackers that we had bought in Naples. Unlike last night’s travel, the sun was out and Dustin and I went to the stern of the ship to catch the sea air.

Back in Naples we made our way from the port to the train station by foot. The plan was to dine to the tune of Naples pizza but not able to find the good stuff, we ordered a quick pizza to go. With little time left we dropped in at small grocery store to buy drinks and snacks for the train. Using the quick station again we purchased tickets and got on the first train leaving for Rome.

On the train Shana and Dustin taught me how to play Egyptian Rat Screw, a card game they played as kids. As the action got intense the loud screams from our compartment raised a concern by the authorities and we were told to keep our voices down for the night train.

In Rome we found an excellent hostel called the beehive which housed a set of apartments that included kitchen access and free access to the internet. There, we dropped off our things and I unloaded my pictures taking advantage of the free computer use. In the suite, I met the girls staying across the way and offered them the snacks I had bought in Naples.

After a few sips of wine we set out for dinner. We found a nice place nearby and while Shana and Dustin ordered the Roman pizza, I elected for paella. From dinner we left for the Trevi Fountain, which was quite a walk from our hostel. Following my lead we got there without getting lost one bit. It was a nice night to be out so we spent a good deal of time sitting and talking in front of the grandiose fountain. As the tradition goes we each tossed coins over our backs to wish for a future return visit to the Eternal City.

Trip-O-Meter
Activity: 3 | Energy: 3 | Friends: 3

Spring Break '05 | Day 7

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