Rome, Capri and Amalfi
April 2009
Day 5, Capri/Amalfi:
This was a day to wander the back streets and enjoy the serenity. I stumbled upon the Hotel Luna with its beautiful wisteria along the lengthy entryway. www.hotelluna.com/en/index
Reluctantly, we left Capri at about 7:00 pm. Our hotel held our luggage while we strolled and they called a luggage porter to pick up our bags at the time we requested. This was good as it is mostly uphill from the hotel to the piazza. If the funicular is crowded they might frown on a lot of baggage going on and request payment for each large bag. We didn't consider any of our bags large, and we never saw the funicular crowded. Speaking of crowds, as I'd heard, the town is busy during the day and then becomes serene after the day-trippers have gone. Three nights was about right for the island, although I wouldn't have objected to one or two nights more.
We had lunch near the piazza at Isidoro, recommended by La Minerva. I had yummy mushroom risotto.
While waiting the for hydrofoil to Amalfi I struck up a conversation with Jonathan, a young man from the U.S. The ride was quick and Jonathan walked us to our hotel. Walking too far up the main street we had to backtrack. Jonathan carried our suitcases up the steep stairway to the hotel. He managed all four cases, one at a time, bless his little heart. For those who know the steps I'm referring to, you can imagine the energy this young man had. The hotel will send someone to you at the harbor to transport your luggage, but we had no way to contact them.
Jonathan joined us for dinner at Il Teatro (Via E. Marini, 19). I'm glad we made the effort to find this restaurant as it was one of our favorites of the trip. We liked it so much, we ate here twice. Try their grilled sausage. Try their pizza. Try just about anything on the menu. The restaurant is family-owned and it was interesting to watch the family dynamics.
Next to the Gardens of Augustus. The garden itself is small, but offers beautiful views on the upper level.
I then wandered along the street that leads to the Marriott Hotel, and another that goes quite a ways where it ends overlooking the Faraglioni Rocks.
I mentioned to Marian and Maritza that there was a pretty walk near the Gardens of Augustus and they eagerly went to find it. They interpreted my comment about a "pretty walk" as a "long walk down to the water" and then, of course, back up again (see photo below). I laughed and they cursed me. They definitely got a good workout.
Marian, Maritza and Mommie, Capri
Faraglioni Rocks
Jonathan, Diane, Marian, Mommie and Maritza at Il Teatro, Amalfi
Hotel Luna, Capri
