the famous italian isle of capri - often heard about but never visited
it was on the agenda for today but some research changed our minds
various respected commentators warning of crowds and disappointment
where people go to see the rich and famous - but only find their prices
so scratch that - let's find another island worth a visit - procida it is
it reads well, is relatively less tourist oriented and is within easy reach
we bid farewell to our favourite little town of cetara and head north
bypassing naples and heading to the ferry terminal at rione terra
we ditch the car in a hotel carpark, load up and walk to the ferry
a 40 minute journey north and west then delivers us to the island
first impression - it is busy with buildings and boats but looks fine
a walk through the main town and up a narrow cobblestone lane
sharing the lane with scooters and small vehicles requires diligence
often having to duck into doorways to make room for the local bus
one classic moment as a red fiat bambino rumbles up and passes
the elderly driver recognises our fascination and toots and waves
our rooms are part of a very large house now an upmarket b&b
bruno our host is welcoming and informative on the must-sees
and so follows a trek across the town-island to a secluded beach
it's a busy place with a constant stream of vehicles and walkers
the place does feel very lived in and not overrun with tourists
just what we wanted really - another taste of real italian life
the beach - well - black sand, quite rocky and below a cliff
not as picturesque as imagined but a pleasant swim is had
a lot of boating activity is seen between us and the mainland
it was a long hike across the island so we decide to bus it back
the driver has mere centimetres on either side but hammers it
which makes the quick journey back an experience in itself
we shower and relax for a while in the common lounge area
get ourselves suitably set up for a night out and walk down
and down - to the marina area where it's all boats and no cars
the best restaurants are here too and bruno has suggested three
it's a beautiful outlook with the setting sun on the pastel houses
the clear water lapping on the impressive range of moored boats
we select a restaurant - alas no reservation - but nods are exchanged
the waiter then leads us to a large recess in a wall with an empty table
seems we have scored the executive table which is promptly set up
we are pinching ourselves as we examine the menu and setting
black lobster is ordered and then offered up live for approval
the resultant dish and a sea urchin pasta dish most delicious
house red wine is of a similar standard as are the desserts
we people-watch and are equally checked out by passers
with a definite sense of who-are-they-to-sit-at-that-table
we lap it up as long as possible in this quite unique place
after the plan was to check out the best gelataria in town
which we do - but full tummies mean no full indulgence
a wander back to our overnight home and 4 happy people...
