Let's do lunch in Capri!

Another glorious sunrise saw us setting out for Capri. After much internet searching for  the best way to reach the ferry terminal we headed out. Part of the metro trip was on an unknown line  and it was down in the bowels of the earth! The escalators were quite steep and rather unnerving as we went down 4 levels. The station was the start of the line and we were packed on like sardines - you tell your head not to think about worst case scenarios! Luckiy we got off at the second station!

We found our way to the ferry and we soon skimming across the water. An hour later we were docking in Capri.  It was like a quiet fishing harbour which closes down in the winter. The weathet was rather cool, although sunny, so we ducked into any type of shop just to get warm.

We found where the funicular was and took the trip up to the higher level of the town - the view was spectacular! It's actually a quaint place with narrow alleyways and tiny shops. It was so much cooler at the top and we decided it was time for our 'Lunch in Capri'! We found a lovely restaurant with an excellent view and spent a few hours with warmth, good food and company. We did smile about the seeming  extravagance of our lunch but it was certainly a treat!

Once more into the cold air it was a matter of walking to keep warm. The strange thing w as the number of outdoor cafés wuth no heating but as all good detectives do we 'sniffed' out the only one with heating and spent time people watching!

The ferry left Capri just after 6pm and the journey was quick - well I had a nanny nap so it seemed quick! Finally back to the apartment by 8 and another good day had been had by all!

For our last day Naples we took the Hop on/off bus.There are two routes - historic and scenic. The city was blocked with vehicles only the punctuated sounds of sirens moved anyone. The historic centre is dusty and dirty. Washing hanging from the balconies sometimes the only colour - I would be fearful of dropping the washing/pegs if I had to do this!

The views on the scenic tour were much better with houses cascading down the hillside to the sea. After the tour getting back to our apartment it was another of those sardine train trips only worse! There was no time for niceties, you were shoved into the carriage with nothing to hold onto. As the train lurched out of the station I  gave a 'sqeak' of shock, lurched and grabbed onto the nearest person. For some reason this train ballet - well I was balancing on one leg for most of the journey - gave me the giggles and I was unable to stop laughing. Perhaps it was the fear of falling over and being trampled that did it. Anyway my antics and uncontrolled goggling seemed to set quite a few others off - I'm sure ut was the most entertaining trip they'd had for a while!

Our last breakfast was once again overlooking the Bay of Naples  with another amazing sunrise before heading off to Rome. This time the train ran on time and after reaching speeds  of 299km we were there in 70 minutes.

A quick (joke) visit to the Rome police station did not end with my passports back! 

Finally we arrived at our home for the next 4 days and have a fine view of the Vatican.

Wishing everyone a great 2019

What a sunrise!

What an amazing sight to wake up to! It slowly got better as the day went on! By the afternoon the bay of Naples was sparkling, ferries and small boats could be seen everywhere.

Our first stop today was to go back to Napoli Termini and have a chat with the police! We did spot a supermarket as we tried to find our way to the Metro. Looked like they had a good selection so would go back later for supplies! As we were trying to find the station we passed a cafe advertising breakfast and as the 22+ hours of airline food was not cutting it we were straight inside! With a few hand signs and the odd smidgen of Spanish we were finally able to find the Metro station which would take us to the centre. We are only 4 stops away so it's an easy trip. 

Thank goodness for Google translate because verbally telling my story to a non English-speaking person was difficult! They finally got the gist and phoned Rome but no passport was handed in. I made a report and decided I had no alternative but to report the loss to the Australian and British consulates! I duly phoned and they were both quick and helpful. I now have an appointment in Rome (luckily that  is our next port of call) at 9am 2/1/19.   

The follow up for the British passport is a little more complex as i have to complete a form but cannot manage to download it properly on my little tablet - at the moment! Perhaps when I have a decent night's  sleep I might be able to sort it. 

Made our foray into the supermarket and w r e soon toastong the bay of Naples with a pleasant Prosseco.

27/12 Today we headed to Pompeii. We have really mastered the metro! The town of Pompeii, as it is today, seems quite pleasant but we were off to discover what had happened when Vesuvius blew its top. As we entered there was an exhibit of some of the casts of people who had been caught unaware. It must have been a truly horrific time! It is a very large site and from the buildings you could really imagine how life had been.

This is the remains of  bread found at the site. 

There was a lot of walking and the cobble stones were hard on your feet. The signage is not the best and we gave up with listening to the audio as nothing was connecting properly. I could not imagine being here in the summer!

We also wanted to see Herculaneum and this meant catching a very different train and being in very seedy railway stations. We managed to get to the correct spot although I think Valda might have thought tnat I had led her astray!

Herculaneum was very impressive and was much easier to visit.

The buildings were more intact and there were some impressive mosaics. The saddest part was a the very lowest level in what had been the boat houses. The skeletal remains of those who had huddled together definately made you pause with the hope that their deaths had been quick - a very sobering vist.

Today we plan to go to Capri for lunch - that sounds pretty swanky doesn't it! Another glorious sunrise is heralding another lovely day.