Bertie in Capri

On a beautiful day in October 2012, I took the ferry from Naples to Capri for a day trip.  The ferries and hydrofoils servicing the islands around the Gulf of Naples depart from the Beverello Harbour by the Piazza Municipio, about a three block walk from the Marriott Renaissance Hotel.  The ticketing kiosk would only sell one-way tickets, which was about Euro 18 for the departure time of choice.

The ride to Capri was pleasant, unlike the bumpy stomach-churning ride from Dover to Calais.  Breaking the scenery across the water, were some naval aircraft carriers on exercise and the rocky hills of neighboring islands.

Upon arrival at the harbor, there were signs pointing to the funicular to get to the town center.  Perhaps foolishly, I decided to make the trek the old fashioned way, questioning my choice during the first steps.  

However, along the way, as I caught glimpses of how the townsfolk lived, this would turn out to be the right way to go.  The passageway was narrow and two slim people could comfortably walk side-by-side.  

Along the way, this circuitous route was interspersed with steps -- long steps, short steps and steps up to private houses.  

There were a variety of well-tended icons embedded on walls maintained with candles and blooms.

  

In this isle of seemingly perpetual sunshine, the flower show was a pleasant break in the uphill hike. 

The garden terraces blended with nature and were not overdone with outdoor furniture.  Imagine lounging and just gazing at the beauty of the blue sea and the scenery.

In peeks between houses perched cliffside, the view was awesome!  

The foolhardiness of the decision to trek uphill, as opposed to taking the funicular was soon forgotten, as the beauty of Capri slowly unfolded.

The taxicabs ferrying tourists to and fro, were unusual.  

Just as in any tourist spots, Capri's town centre was filled with gawking tourists, caressing the souvenirs, some undoubtedly made in China for Italian shopkeepers and high-end shops with Euro prices.  I watched some shops that advertised "hand made" summer sandals while you wait.  This basically consisted of picking out a pair of soles to size, deciding on the decorative straps and handing about Euro 120 to the shoemaker, who would then hammer in the straps to the soles!  Nice, but for very much less than half the price, in any mall in the United States, a pair could be had, equally just as beautiful, if not more so.     

While waiting for the ferry to return to Naples, I sat on the beach, which was rocky with white stones.  

I love Capri, to visit.  

Bertie On The Way To Retirement

Following on the heels of a restful vacation in Italy, Hurricane Sandy made its appearance.  

Harried, harrassed, attempting to catch any train chugging its way to the city, the serenity from the Italian vacation rapidly fizzled.  At the crack of dawn, with a blinking flashlight running across Sunrise Highway which had also lost its traffic lights, the LIRR commute became a nightmare to and from work.

After almost two decades at Jones Day, it was time to go. 

Barbara, New York Office Administrator of the Firm, hosted a luncheon at CIBO.  It was a lovely gesture and one of the better moments of my JD work life to look back to.  

Marianna, who became one of my first new friends in New York City, half a lifetime ago had extended a helping hand to join the Firm in June 1995.

Not only a kind friend, Marianna is a very supportive manager.

As the only biller for the first five years, I participated in the evolvement of the billing activities which had its start with the word processing system and calculator to the now high-tech, leading edge software used by major law firms.  

Over the years, the department grew, and technological advances made work more efficient.  Most of my time in the Firm was a pleasant experience, owed in large part to the kindness and professionalism of the people I came in contact with.

The Amazin' Trio -- Karen, Valerie and Shoni, book ended by Lynne, another friend from half a lifetime ago    

Karen, the Hostess Queen 

Valerie, the Lehman Queen

Hard working Thakoor

Sweet Jane who never looses her cool, and Ritalyn, with whom I often share LIRR and subway rides, going and coming from work

 Jeanne who quickly become a friend, sharing the hair splitting moments of remembering when to use today's rates or yesteryear's rates.

Sally of HR always kind, Lynne and Ellen, who without hesitation, helped with a PowerPoint project, despite her busy schedule.

 Gilda, masterfully choreographs her busy desk with peals of laughter; Lorena with whom I once shared a challenging Brazilian personality.  

With Irene, cajoling contacts to accept LEDES that were unlike any normal LEDES files. 

Susan and Irene

Julie and Larkia, both with a passion for vibrant jewelry.

 Syd and Sandra

Michael, the Excel guru

With Lena, a co-retiree

Jeanne, Abigail soon to make a splash in the fashion world and Sally

Ellen and Susan, my 3:00 p.m. cafeteria time-out buddy 

Miguel, Chrome River expert, Thakoor and Michael

After Barbara gave me THE CLOCK, I read a short prepared speech.

With everyone, there were wonderful moments in shared conversation and light-hearted banter, spurts of laughter and giggles.  

Thank you all for the memories and for being here. I wish all of you the best, and hope we keep in touch.