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.