Leaving Rome: We had walked many miles in Rome and loved our experiences there. Rome by day, Rome by night, it was all one delicious experience after another. From the historic sights, gorgeous men, wonderful clothing shops, and street vendors, and the authentic food, Rome captured our hearts and fed us well. One lunch of note was at a charming, Italian restaurant where the food was delicious and Cesar, our waiter, was charming and flirty. He even brought us champagne and an appetizer "on the house. " He kidded around and posed for photos with us and we practiced the "air kisses" with him cheek to cheek as we departed. We played right into his hands and rewarded him with a handsome tip! I am sure the group of Italian women in the other room were not so easily charmed.
On September 8th, Carol, Rosie, and I began our journey to Sorrento. Unfortunately, Carol had back spasms as the result of the horribly firm mattress in our accommodation and had to travel in pain. This journey would have been taxing for even a healthy tourist. The best part of the trip was the Rome metro and the high speed train. Rome's subway system is clean, on time and makes sense, if you can read Italian. We had some difficulty figuring out how to buy a ticket until we asked a local. Even with help it is not easy. Buying a train ticket was also a bit of a challenge too until we figured out how to use the kiosk. Then it was a relaxing one hour and a half ride through the Italian countryside of green rolling hills, one marble quarry carved into the mountain side, undulating flax colored fields where hay sat rolled up and in other fields sheep grazed. Then there was the intermittent olive groves and vineyards. So wonderful was this part of the trip that we were not prepared for the next crazy train experience.
In Naples it is necessary to take a local commuter train to Sorrento. We were on a tight schedule and didn't want to stand around 30 minutes for next one to arrive. We had heard horror stories about pick pockets so we rushed to figure out where to go, where to buy a ticket, what direction to go to get on the train, and do that all within 5 minutes. Then we had to push and shove to get on the dirty, graffiti clad, tiny trolley-like train just to get to stand shoulder to shoulder, tilting to and fro with everyone for the hour and 15 minute ride to Sorrento. Just watching Carol trying not to move in back spasms was difficult. All I could think of was how good it would be to have her lie down.
It was a long morning but we made it to the delightfully charming Sorrento in time to check into our hotel, grab a pizza to go, and jump on the boat to Capri! This was a lifelong dream for Rosie who had a grandfather who was born there. The boat ride was a smooth Hydro foil that glided over every wave with ease. From port, reminiscent of Catalina, we grabbed a 25 euro convertible cab ride up the twisty, Cliff clinging road that was so narrow the cars and buses coming in the other direction had paper thin passing room. And yes, we did the tourist thing and shopped, rode the chair lift to the top for the amazing views. We could not resist the gelato and cappuccino at local cafe where we watched the world go by. Tomorrow we tour the Amalfi coast!
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