51. Traveling to Capri

It is not an easy haul

But well worth it all!

I left Pompeii on a shuttle from the hotel inn

To take me to the Cirucumvesuvian train station.

Board a thirty minute ride to Sorrento

I have no idea which way to go.

I am looking for a bus to take me to the dock

And I end up shleping my luggage on a very long walk.

Purchase a ferry ticket to the island of Capri

Which boat is it? The last one on the right  that you’ll see.

Meet two young girls from the States

One is working in Florence, how is that for fate.

Off the dock, ask a guide, “Now where do I go?”

“Oh up the Funicolare, a mountain tram!” There- he shows!

Up the side of the mountain to the top town square,

It is a long way from where I came down there.

I ask directions and carry my bags,

Around and around cobble stone flags.

Most of the street have signs and arrows in ceramic

 I find the one that says ‘Hotel La Floridiana’

Meet a woman named Lucia that says my room is not ready,

 But leave your bags and be back at 3:30.

That is four hours, what do I do?

Here is a map, and a trail for you.

Ok, off I go accepting my fate

And, very glad that I didn’t come late.

I followed a trail along the cliffs and rocks

Beautiful gardens and scenery that made you stop.

Photos I’ve seen in many postcards

And here I am, I am taken off guard.

I take this time to reflect on God’s beauty

And come upon a grotto from a long time ago.

I love the ancient sea and its history

Of the Greeks and Etruscans in all their glory.

Up the stairs from the bottom to the top

No wonder these Italians can eat and not stop.

My legs burn and I want to cry

But getting to the top is a wonderful surprise!

I follow the map for a lunch at Torrino

A man named Dominique, the owner, greats me with vino.

Only one, or I will drop

Dominque brings me fresh baked bread, steaming at the top.

It melts in your mouth and I know the food will be good.

I speak to a younger couple that just did the trail

They ordered pizza and it was a wonderful smell!

Dom  brings me a local ravioli dish, as best as he could.

I ate every bit, he teases if I want to eat the plate

I am embarrassed and said I must go, it is late.

I meet an older couple dragging their bags, this looks familiar,

I help them with directions because a few hours ago,  I was there!

I find the hotel again, amongst the winding streets

And Lucia said that they gave me an upgrade, a room very neat!

 I am in heaven still as I enter my room, a king-size bed

No shower, a bathtub instead!

A full balcony overlooking the sea

Oh thank you Jesus! For looking after me!

I am so weary and tired of traveling alone

That I am going to stay here longer and call this my home!

I rest up and take an evening walk on Saturday night stroll

Lucia says if you are hungry, here is a wonderful  family place to go.

It is on a small little alley, looks like a home to enter.

I find Michaelangelo's but the woman says we are not open ‘til seven-later!

I find that in Italy, nothing starts until seven at night.

They close at two and take a siesta, that is right!

I return and Marco & his mother greets me at the door

I tell him Lucia sent me and he is happy as he leads me to the floor.

Soon the young couple I met at the other café

Enter, we laugh and I said I am following their way.

Music is playing it is all American songs

The Bee Gees, Carly Simon and Jackson Brown.

The DJ enters and the mother and brother

It is a Saturday night and they are getting ready for some others.

A party is arriving, I best take my leave