capri, naples
Ciao Bella / Bello! Where. To. Even. Begin. Never did I imagine that 48 hours on this teeny tiny island could be so amazing, eventful and… quite frankly there’s too many adjectives that I could use to encapsulate this weekend with. So I’ll just retell the best parts instead.
I won’t lie, getting to the island was a hassle since there were thunderstorm threats and severe wind storms happening. I had missed the last ferry running that day by 3 minutes and then the rest were cancelled or suspended until further notice. Thankfully I’d been told about a different type of ferry that was most likely still running so me and everyone else that had been stranded in Naples due to the weather hauled ourselves to Calata Porta di Massa and scrambled to get a ticket for the 12:00pm ferry. From then on, it was smooth sailing (except for the actual ferry ride which felt like being on a rollercoaster).
My friend, Francesca, met me shortly after I’d arrived and took me to the Augusta Gardens. The view was breathtaking. Not only are you surrounded by a beautiful array of flowers and the laboratory for Carthusia Perfumi di Capri, but you can see the entire Capri side of the island and the Faraglioni. It feels like such an isolated and serene part of the island, cut off from everything else, despite how small Capri is. That same evening Francesca also took me to Faro, a huge lighthouse on the edge of the Anacapri side of the island with a charming beach and is the best place to watch the sunset she told me. Unfortunately we’d missed it that Friday evening, nevertheless, it was still stunning. The sea was raging, the waves uncontrollable and wild, and the wind just as sharp and powerful because of the thunderstorm warnings. Although, in this regard I’m just like my mum, she finds watching the angry waves mesmerising and so did Francesca and I.
The following Saturday morning was slow and relaxed, spent at Marina Piccola. The sun bathed us as we spent our time chatting, reading and snoozing. I hadn’t seen Francesca in a year and a half which is borderline criminal. We’d kept in touch, of course, but it wasn’t until I finally saw her again did I realise just how much I missed her. She’s a friend I value greatly and an incredibly beautiful and alive person, one of whom there is never a dull moment around. It was hours of laughing, sharing anecdotes and enjoying each other’s company. Eventually we bucked up enough courage to attempt swimming in the freezing sea. It was nothing short of refreshing but it was a quick dip in and then immediately out. I was spoiled rotten on this trip as Francesca’s Nonna had prepared us the most delicious lunch- including homemade arancini because she’d been told it’s my favourite Italian dish. Needless to say we were fed until we could eat no more and everything she served us was heavenly. From the beef stew to the arancini to the café & biscotti.
The first portion of the evening was spent meeting some of Francesca’s friends while we had cocktails and snacks at a few bars around Capri… or aperitivo as they called it. This was just for a short while before the thrilling part of the evening began. Truthfully, I have no idea where we went dancing that Saturday night. All I remember is that there was a door situated between two boutiques in Capri that then led to an underground club. Despite not knowing exactly where I was, we had the most fun! We spent the night dancing literally till our feet ached and I wouldn’t have had it any other way to celebrate my last night there. I still hate the fact this trip was so short, especially since once I arrived I immediately fell in love with the island.
This trip was the first time I’ve ever travelled solo and while, intimidating, would gladly do it all over again if it meant I get to see Francesca (it’s a need not a want). This has probably been my quickest trip ever but one of my favourites by far. Pictures and words do not do this place justice. Ti voglio bene, Francesca & Capri <3
A più tardi!
