Capri - Day 3

We got the call from home at 2:30am. Avery was crying because his tummy hurt, and he refused to take the anti-diarrheal medicine at dinner time. Olivia was up too. Sounded like chaos.

Then again, the phone rang at 8am. Olivia was tired and didn’t want to go to school. What is up with our kids? Needless to say they both went to school. Although we did get a call from the assistant principal at around 11am saying that Avery was lying down on the mats. Jeez. When we explained that we were away she said she’d have no problem encouraging him to join in his class activities.

As for our day in Capri. We woke up earlier than planned (ie. the 8am call). Josh read while I did some yoga with the beautiful vista in the background (or foreground as the case may be). We went to breakfast which was altogether busier than yesterday. Tomorrow is the May day holiday and it seems many have taken the opportunity to create a long weekend.

We checked out of the hotel and set out on our hike. We walked along Via Tragara until it turned into Via Pizzoluongo. It was the most amazing walk. We experienced extremely varied terrain with stupendous views. I think this is the prettiest and most interesting part of the island. It’s not for the weary though, as there are many, many stairs and steep ascents and descents. But well worth it. The highlight at the peak of the hike was the belvedere of the Arco Natural. At this point, Josh had to change shirts. I told him to just keep his shirt off; but he demurred.

View of mainland (Amalfi peninsula) from Villa Jovis

After this hike, we took another path up to Villa Jovis. Villa Jovis was a Palace of the Emperor Tiberius who ruled Rome from Capri from 27AD to 37AD. Built in 24AD it was not rediscovered until the 18th century. It's located in the northeast corner of the island at its highest point, with great views over Sorrento and the Bay of Naples. 

Now it was definitely time for lunch. We chose a quiet place, half way between the Roman ruin and town, and set among lemon and orange groves, called La Savardina. This time we enjoyed the local Falanghina again with our pasta dishes. It was a well-deserved, relaxing break after our 3-hour hike (with major elevation covered). From La Savardina it was an easy walk down to Capri town. That is if you call going down easy. I hate going down.

View of Capri on road back from Villa Jovis

We stopped for a gelato at Buonecore where we encountered quite a line-up. Capri is definitely filling up for the weekend. We returned to our hotel where we put up our feet in the lounge’s terrace and enjoyed the wonderful views of the Faraglioni again before we had to depart. Josh even took a brief nap before changing clothes. We walked back to the Piazzetta – this time with our luggage. We took the funicular down to the marina, bought our ferry tickets and boarded the boat.

Once in Naples, we took in the scene which was quite lively. Before long we arrived at the train station for our ride back to Rome. It was a really easy trip. At home, Olivia and Avery were excited to see us although Avery was very tired and went immediately to bed. Shortly, Charlotte arrived from the airport -- she'd gotten a ride with a friend. We talked a bit in the garden with Charlotte and her friend about the week in Sicily. Sounds like she had a fantastic time there.