Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Today was filled with both very intense moments and very relaxing moments. We started off early to catch a train toward Napoli (Naples). We had to ride backwards on the train but it didn't seem to bother anyone. Once there, Mr. Schaffer decided that we would have time to fine the lone penny machine. We sent the kids on a taxi towards the ferry port (Molo Beverello). This left us 45 minutes to collect the pennies and meet the kids at the port. Mr. Schaffer got out his map and we were on our way. Naples is a very busy and crazy place. I am glad we did not walk (with our luggage) the entire way to the port-- this was the original plan. The streets are very small and it can be difficult to tell where you are. We went a bit too far and had to head back the way we came (30 mins to go). We finally arrived at the street where the machine was suppose to be located (25 mins to go).We were surrounded by souvenirs of all kinds. About half way down the road, my keen penny machine senses KICKED IN and I spotted the machine. Luckily, the owner of the shop closest to the machine was standing at his door and gladly exchanged 10 cents for five 2 cent coins (20 mins to go). It was the quickest smushing event in history!!!! We were quickly on our way to hunt for a cab. After walking a quarter mile (or so) we found one (15 mins to go). He had to pull off the main street to pick us up and it took him a while to get back to the main street (11 mins to go). Once he made it back on the main street it went pretty smoothly. We could see the port but he had to go past it and do a U-turn because we couldn't pull in from our side of the road (7 mins to go). We shoved money his way, jumped out and ran to the ticket area (5 mins to go). We saw the kids waiting at port 7- the one our ferry was to leave from. We bought tickets, got our luggage and loaded it on.. (whewwww 4 mins to go). We found seats and rested as we journeyed across to Capri!

Once on Capri, things began to slow down : D. We collected our bags and took a taxi up to Anacapri, where we would be staying. Roads here are scaaary, and we all panicked at oncoming traffic, looming cliffs, crazy scooter drivers, and ridiculous U-turns several times. We met the owner of the bed and breakfast- Luciana. She was very welcoming, offering us peanuts, drinks (her own freshly made lemonade), and a list of things to do while staying. We rested there for a while, enjoying the nice balcony and fresh air. Once we had a plan we set out towards Capri. Buses are much easier here than Rome, but much scarier because of the extremely narrow roads. In Capri we did a long hike around one side of the island. We saw these amazing rock structures, mountains in the distance, and the sun setting behind the city.  The pictures throughout this post are just a few of the fabulous views. Shops close early here-- sometimes 3:30 but at least by 5:00. We had some time to spare between our hike and dinner (which begins promptly at 7:00) so we just walked around Capri and Anacapri to fill time. Right at 7:00 the restaurants opened back up so we ventured in to one for dinner. We all enjoyed our dinner--- nothing like Barbablu but still excellent food.


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