CAH-pree

I decided that in order to keep the posts readable and short, I will break up each day of the trip since it truly deserves its own attention. 

I had so much fun in Cinque Terre with Bus2Alps that I had to go on another trip with them. They told me that Amalfi was one of the best trips they had and all of their favorites so I felt the need to sign up for it. After a busy first weekend, I didn’t want any of the fun to stop.  I had just finished my first week in school and didn’t believe my time in Italy could get much better, but then the weekend began…

We got on a bus at 7pm on Thursday night and prepared for a long drive ahead to the Amalfi Coast. For those of you that aren’t familiar with the geography of Italy, Florence is closer to the North, Rome is about in the middle and the Amalfi Coast is located at about the ankle in the boot shape of the country. Therefore we were looking at about a 7 hour drive ahead of us.  The crew that went on this trip with me were Sam and Sarah (The two from Kansas) and Alex and Steve (Both attending Columbia). 

  

I was planning on sleeping the whole time but Steve and Alex kept me entertained the entire way there and we arrived at about 3am.

I had yet to stay in a hostel, hotel or anything other than my apartment while in Italy so this hotel experience was one for the books. I was rooming with Sam and Sarah and another girl who was randomly paired with us. The room had two sets of bunk beds that are basically touching and limited space to move. 

This was about the extent of our living space

We got real friendly and cuddly in that room but luckily we didn't spend much time in the hotel. The first day (Friday) we went to Capri.  It is pronounced CAH-pree for those of you who have never been there. We had to be at breakfast by 6:50am which was essentially death. Dan (our tour guide) promised it would be worth it but at the time I was not a happy camper. We boarded a ferry and immediately I realized that the beauty of being on the water that early in the morning is something indescribable. Touché Dan.

Artsy attempts at 7am

The ride to Capri seemed like it took about 30 minutes, but I have no idea since I was just staring in amazement the whole time at the coast around me. We were lucky enough to snag a seat on the top deck and be outside the whole way over.

On the Ferry! 

Once we got there, we hopped on boats and headed out to the Blue Grotto or Grottoa Azzurra (to the locals.) These little row boats pull up to the side of our boat and I leaned over and (aggresively) made the first deal so my group of 5 could get on and go swimming inside.  I don't think anyone was aware of what was going on until I was running down the stairs telling them to follow. My friends here are still getting used to my antics, I am sure this wouldn't surprise anyone at home. But we hopped on the first boat and we were the first group of the day inside the grotto! Check out my video below of the whole thing! 

The hole to get into the grotto is so small that you don't think the boat that you are in will make it in.  Everyone in the boat lies down in order to fit through because the current keeps rising and falling. The rower pulls us in on a chain attached to the cave wall and just like that we were in! The grotto is unlike anything I have seen in my whole life. It glows blue but not a blue you could ever replicate in a color. I attempted to take a picture but nothing seems to do it the justice it deserves.

Swimming in the Grotto! 

The Glowing Water

Shameless Sefie next to the grotto opening. 

This experience blew my mind and I would really recommend it to anyone that gets the opportunity.

History Note: The Grotto was used as King Tiberius private swimming pool.  He was apparently notorious for crazy activities and spent his last 10 years of life living on Capri. Must be nice, right?

White Grotto 

After we finished with the grotto, we hopped back on the boat and took a tour of the island.  Seeing this gorgeous island from the water makes me realize how beautiful it is as a whole and not just one section. The island is know to be a destination of the rich and famous and I can totally see why.  It would be perfect to rent a house on the hill overlooking the water without a care in the world. I get it now. Well our journey continued and we saw the yachts... everywhere, and the famous love rocks.  If you go under them and kiss someone it is supposed to mean eternal love (I kissed myself, does that count?)

After the tour of the island was done, we took the tram to the actual town of Capri where there is lots of shopping (VERY expensive shopping), an amazing view and the most delicious juice I have ever had.  It was like fresh squeezed orange and lemon put together but like nothing I had ever had. We drank it overlooking Marina Grande and the whole port and it was gorgeous. 

My Juice and the View!

 After our pit stop, we all got in busses and took a ride up to Anacapri which is at the top of the mountain.  Anacapri is home to the sandal man.  The sandal man is apparently a legendary sandal maker.  Jackie O even bought sandals from him which boosted his reputation. In his shop there is Limoncello and Chocolate tastings which were both delicious. Even chocolates filled with Limoncello. It was cool to see but I did not splurge on the sandals this trip.

Lunch was our next stop. We went to this recommended restaurant and I ordered clams for the first time.  I had been previously asked by my mom if I would order the new things I am trying in class and I had no answer for her but I am very happy I did! I really enjoy clams and they were SO fresh. Yummy.

After lunch we decided to take the chairlift up to the top of Anacapri.  It is this single person chairlift that takes about 12 minutes to get to the top with 360 views of the island.  At the top you are so high that you are basically in the clouds.  At the time we went, we were standing in a cloud. At the top there is a restaurant and you can see both sides of the island.  We saw the rocks again that we boated by and attempted to take pictures when the clouds would blow over.

The crew at the top. Cheers Capri! 

After we were done, we took the chairlift back down, we got in a convertible taxi and rode it all the way down to Marina Grande (which means we left Anacapri, passed Capri town and headed to the beach.) It was a perfect end to our time in Capri. My goggles once again came in handy and I think I must have sat in the water for like 3 hours straight.  I can think of nothing more peaceful. The beaches here are not like beaches in California, they are rock and have huge rocks to lay on inside the water. Laying out isn't so nice but sitting on a rock in the water was the place to be. 

We spent 3 hours there and then took the ferry back to Sorrento. Bus2Alps had planned dinner and a night out so we decided to join them.  We went to dinner and they told me to get the Pizza because it originated in this region and it was well worth it!

The Group at Dinner

After dinner we went to the English Room and they played throwbacks all night long.  There is nothing better than dancing to throwbacks in another country, it unites everything and everyone. 

and of course I took a picture with the American Flag... I'm clique 

Sarah's friend Anthony turned 21 at midnight so even though the drinking age is 18 here, we still gave him the proper American 21st birthday experience. Our night ended in this place called the American Bar (Yes, we are those people.) But Anthony had a night to remember (Or not remember) and we called it a night.

The whole day turned out great and I was so excited to head to Positano the next day! Check out the next post for our day in Positano!

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