Pompeii-Sorrento-Capri

What can one say about Pompeii? To walk in the footsteps of a city, and a civilization that was wiped out by a volcano is a totally awesome experience. Thanks to our private driver, the 4 of us, Lilian, Alex, Gary and myself arrived at Pompeii just before it opened at 8:30AM. We hadn't planned to engage the services of a tour guide to show us around Pompeii, but we encountered a very good salesman who convinced us that the 4 of us should join this other group of 6 that he put together, and that we would be better off for doing so. We figured with only having 1 1/2 hours to visit this massive site it might be a wise idea and besides, to rent a headset was 12 Euro a person, and our live guide was only 10Euro...such a deal. It really was a smart decision, as was getting to Pompeii first thing in the morning. It was already bright and sunny and closing in on 90 degrees in the shade (what shade?) We even ran into a Disney photographer who obliged us and took pics of the 4 of us.

The ruins were amazing, and some of the murals on the walls were still in good enough condition to imagine how much more beautiful they must have been centuries ago. Abut mid-morning we left Pompeii and headed to Sorrento. Michael, our driver knew some shortcuts which avoided about 3 miles of bumper to bumper traffice that the busses have to go thru. We didn't spend time in Sorrento other than to get our hydrofoil tickets over to Capri.

Michael had arranged for us to be met by a private taxi guide upon our arrival into Capri. Paolo met us at the end of the pier and led us to his 1960 bright red Fiat. Not just any little Fiat but an old fashioned sedan with a huge back seat and 2 full size jumpseats in front of the backseat, as well as a passenger seat in front next to the driver. The taxi's in Capri all have the hardtop roof removed and a canvas canopy replaces that roof, allowing for an open-air experience that makes you feel like you are in a convertible.

Paolo took us straight away to the top of this beautiful island to the village of Ana Capri. He suggested we eat at this quiet little restaurant, away from the crowds. Turns out of course that the restaurant was owned by one of his relatives (surprise, surprise) but at any rate, the food was delicious and the atmosphere very relaxing. After lunch, we spent time in Ana Capri shopping and watching an old Italian man make leather sandals while singing Italian love songs. Now if only I could afford the leather sandals he was making.

Paolo showed us all over the island, beautiful little, hidden overlooks with breathtaking vistas or yacht filled harbors and beaches with romantic looking hotels perched above the sandy beach. We ended our time on Capri with a stroll around the village of Capri, located at the waters edge. This part of Capri was very crowded and filled with all sorts of souvenir shops, along with expensive designer shops. The locals say the place totally quiets down after 5PM when all the ferries and hydrofoils leave. We were on the last hydrofoil out at 5:05PM and returned back to the Disney Magic to relax and unwind. It had been a long and busy day, as have most of them. These long days off the ship make it difficult to keep the blog updated, but I am trying my best to post when I can.



Sunday we will be in Olbia, Sardinia.

Sandy