I know that Capri is the first island I have ever seen and
that there are thousands more across the planet, but I definitely say (and for
the record almost everyone else, even those who have traveled the world
extensively, agreed) that Capri is the most beautiful island in the world. After
the miserable day that Friday was it is as if Mother Nature felt the need to apologize
because Saturday could not have in anyway been more perfect. Cloudless blue sky
filled with sunshine, perfect 90 degree swimming temperatures with just enough
wind. Absolute heaven…
The day started with a program wide walking tour of the
island up to the summit to the ruins of the villa of the Roman Emperor Trajan.
It was easy to see why he lived here for ten years straight, I sure never
wanted to leave, not with those views. The walk up there was crazy though,
straight up I don’t know how many thousands of feet, through winding narrow
cobblestone streets. I thought after the hills of Rome I was getting in pretty
good shape but all of those were nothing compared to Capri. My legs were
burning halfway up and jelly by the top. But it was so worth it.
After the villa ruins we walked halfway back down the
mountain to the Natural Arch. The Natural Arch is this beautiful, well for lack
of a better description, natural arch that in eroded out of the cliffs. Very
stunning.
At the top of the mountain, from the ruins of the Villa of Trajan.
Yeah, I guess I'd build an imperial villa here if I were an emperor...
Mt. Vesuvius in the background
Then onto the natural arch...
Then they set us loose on the island! Since the day was so
perfect and the water looked so enticing, me and 9 other girls headed for the harbor
and rented a private boat for a two hour tour around the island. It was by far,
hands down, the best 30 euros I have ever spent. I had never been out on the
ocean like that, in fact this was only the 3rd time I had ever even
SEEN the ocean. Those two hours helped me to realize that I am definitely an
ocean baby. We all kept saying things like “No way is this really happening!”
and “Ha, no biggie, this is my life!”.
Nothing but blue skies and bluer waters...
A little cave thingy that we were actually able to drive into! (Note the AMAZING BLUE WATER!)
We also got really lucky and had a great driver. He was a probably 30something guy, who was really relaxed and unobtrusive, he played great “American” music and stopped and would explain significant sights and cool spots. Granted he was probably having the time of his life too, cruising around the island of Capri with nine giggling girls in bathing suits, yea… But it was really nice that he wasn't creepy or rude in anyway, just really relaxed and out of the way.
Capri is famous for its Blue Grotto, an cave just on the
edge of the water, accessible only by row boat or swimming that from the way
the light enters the cave opening glows bright blue. It is supposed to be a truly
amazing sight and our driver took us there. 5 of the girls jumped in the water
and swam into the Blue Grotto but there were some itty bitty waves that day and
since I had never swam in the ocean and the cave opening was only about 3 feet
wide I decided not to go. They all said it was beautiful inside and someday I
want to go back and swim in.
At the end of our two hours we got to anchor off shore for a while and go swimming. I got up the nerve to jump in (only with Crystal holding my hand!) and boy was it amazing. The water was actually really dirty, tons of trash along the shore line unfortunately, but we looked past that and had so much fun. Just laying back and enjoying the gentle rolling of the waves was so peaceful. I love the ocean so much and can’t wait until I can go back! Especially to Capri!
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