Today was another hot one, but good! When I researched Italy they said this time of year it's the 70s, well it's been high 80's to mid 90's with humidity of over 80%. So - it's hot and humid. It seems everyone on our tour is suffering a bit with it, but especially Mama. The day though was one where she could rest in spots and overall it was a nice day.
We got up and ate breakfast at the hotel. I overheard someone say you could not take your carry-on during the ride today so we scrambled after breakfast to repack what we absolutely had to have in things that we could keep on a person comfortably as we walked. Typically we can leave a bag on the bus to use throughout the day, but not today. Anyway, with that we were almost late for the bus this morning... it was close :( but we made it!
Then we rode to the ferry and hopped on a boat to Capri. Masks were required on the boat and we wore them as we entered, however below it was fairly uncrowded so we took them off. It was a nice ride at the beginning. The boats are really moving so I'm glad we opted for inside, at 40 miles an hour I bet up top was all kinds of windy. The ferry stopped for a second stop and a lot more people came on so I insisted on the N95 mask. Masks in general aren't really helpful unless it's a properly fitted N95 which these are... so, the mask went on. It was miserable in the heat, as more people came on the A/C just couldn't keep up and with Mama's breathing issues we were all ready to get off the dang boat. If we test positive for COVID they will not allow us back into the US so I'm being super cautious, even if it does make us miserable and those with me irritated.
Once we docked at Capri and headed off the boat it was a bit of a trek to the Funicular to go up to the top. Once again masks were required and we were crammed into these things like sardines to get up... it was a hassle and a half. The walk to get up to them is these long steps, not really a ramp, but also not starts - just ramp type thing, step, ramp type thing, step, etc.. so it's just weird and awkward for someone with O2 being pulled behind them. Then the tight quarters with no seats... I love Europe and Italy, but overall they are not handicapped or elderly-friendly when it comes to structures at all. People help us but their actual normal accommodations aren't great.
Anyway once at the top we had already been warned that it was a good walk down to the gardens and then a walk back up the hill. The hill wasn't really all that steep, but if you had to be on a timetable I could see how it would be a problem. Mama elected to stay at the top and people watch/shop while we went down. In the end, I was grateful for her decision. She is really struggling with this heat and I think the hill may have been too much in it. Any other day she could have done it, been tired maybe, but not in this heat.
Anyway, this trip is about more than dealing with O2 issues - it just occupies a lot of my thoughts.
Jack and I did walk down with the group in Capri. The guide was telling us stuff, some about the flora and the history. I'll be honest I kinda tuned him out and just enjoyed the scenery while taking my photos. At the end was a terrific garden with gorgeous views of the water and Capri. The flowers and plants were all gorgeous all over the island, but especially in the gardens. Plus a seagull was playing in the fountain and a cat. I mean all is right with the world if there is a cat.
Jack and I then meandered back, shopping along the way. I really wanted a Capri t-shirt at this one shop, but they didn't have my size so I settled for a few other little trinkets, etc... as we made our way back up to Mama. Once at the top I found her seated where we left her in the shade watching the people She said she didn't want to give up her prime real estate, but I convinced her to walk a bit and do a little shopping down one street while we waited. We got a few little things and headed back to the group.
They then took us down and over to the Tyrrhenian Sea sea where we could dip our feet in if we wanted. We all had tennis shoes on so elected not to do so... just too much hassle for the 10 minutes and we can get in the water at the hotel.
While the group was playing in the water I ran over and grabbed a t-shirt at another little shop. With the design, I doubt it will last long in the wash, but it's pretty.
Once everyone had gotten their feet wet as desired we headed back to the boat for another short ride over to Sorrento. Once in Sorrento, our guide took us to a brief demonstration on how to make wood inlay tables, and then we were let go to go shop, eat lunch, and explore. We ate at a local restaurant known for its pizza. Jack and I got pizza - Mama a porkchop. Yep a porkchop and fries, lol. Everyone enjoyed their food even if the staff was less than friendly.
It was funny one of the ladies in our group was at another table. She's nice enough but has an opinion about everything and lets you know it... She is friendly and she tells you with a smile, but she makes sure you know her opinion and her knowledge of every subject. So she was sampling the Italian wine and telling them that they hadn't let it breathe for 4 hours and therefore it wasn't any good. I know nothing about wine, but I do know that waitress wanted to spit into hers... We tried to be extra friendly to her in recompense, not sure it helped but hey. Jack also helped her get her scooter (yes the waitress) over a hump to drive someone home... It was sweet of him.
As a side note; everyone here drives scooters and they park them wherever...
After lunch, we meandered down a little pedestrian alley and did some more shopping. It reminded me of the alley in Harry Potter. The heat was intense so we found Mama somewhere to sit in the shade while Jack and I continued our exploring /shopping. Once complete we headed back up and all got some gelato to eat while we waited for the group.
Overall it was an enjoyable day. The islands really are beautiful and I would have loved to have had a bit more time in both on a cooler day.
Mama came back to the hotel after and went to rest and Jack and I ended our day with a swim in the hotel pool and dinner watching the sunset. Now to rest up for another full day tomorrow.
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