Blogs from Italy, Europe - page 1605

Chapter 19 Oh Capri, the elusive island! The weather had improved vastly, and Capri was finally on the agenda for the day. They headed down to the harbour to catch one of the fast ferries. (11.60 euros return). The ferries were rather spacious, with many airline style seats facing a giant television screen churning out more crap Italian programmes. (they really are that bad) One could only stand on the deck at the back of the boat, as a salty spray massaged an already wet face. As the boat left Sorrento, the propelling motion made the very calm sea a little choppy, churning Maya’s stomach immediately. She quickly grabbed her trilogy and tried to concentrate on hobbits. Martin stayed on deck trying to capture the views on film. Twenty five minutes later, they arrived at Capri’s ... read more

Chapter 17 Capri that never was! The hill walk from the night before had well and truly knocked our two travellers for six as the plan had been to go to Capri but both of them simply couldn’t face getting up. They were now into their 17th day since leaving and finally some rest was required. The sun was shining, the cockerel was crowing (a real one without batteries), but to no avail, our two were totally shattered. A lie in was needed and that’s exactly what they did until mid-day. They spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing, listening to music, reading and enjoying the views from the balcony, as the island of Ischea was clearly visible that day. In fact they stayed at the B&B until five in the evening. The Italian television programmes ... read more

Chapter 15 The road to nowhere (or a bridge too far) They left the hotel after Martin had purchased a fabulous new digital camera with movie mode and lots of other interesting functions. The receptionist at the hotel didn’t even have the decency to say thank you and goodbye. This just angered them further, yet made them even more eager to leave this dump, roll on Mount Vesuvius! Using the circumvensia within an hour they would be in Sorrento. Once more they saw the accordion boy with his brother this time as they entertained the masses of solemn looking commuters. As predicted, an hour or so later of trundling through Naples’ suburbs, they arrived at Sorrento. Sorrento is situated in the north of the Sorrentina peninsula, standing on high cliffs above the bay of Naples. The ... read more

Chapter 13 Up Pompeii - Titter ye not!!! A most excellent breakfast was consumed, finally a positive. They headed to Stazione Garribaldi where they caught the circumvensia to Herculaneum. A kind of over-ground underground, extremely cheap but had seen better days, the circumvensia connected Naples to Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. As they alighted at Herculaneum station, they were immediately mobbed by taxi drivers offering to take them up to Mount Vesuvius and back for 10 euros each. The bus only cost 4 euros so once more they politely refused and headed for the ruins of Herculaneum. Eighteen euros for a combined ticket which included Pompeii and four other sights. Just down the road from the station they arrived at the gates of Herculaneum. Tourist Site 17: Herculaneum History: With Vesuvius brooding on the horizon any ... read more

Chapter 11 Goings on in the night Once the Australian chap had switched off the light, it seemed a more comfortable night was indeed possible. Not a word of it! The Japanese started snoring again and two of the stooges kept coming in and out of the room. They were muttering profanities loud enough for the ozzie chap to hear and respond with a giggle. Martin was slowly but surely losing his temper until having gone in and out of the room at least twenty times, they finally did hit the sack and some sleep was achieved. That was until about 5.30am, when the other stooge arose with a torch and started casing the joint. Very shortly afterwards the other two also got up and proceeded to wander around aimlessly. Not knowing what they were up ... read more