Mi dispiace (I’m sorry) for this absence. Technical issues in Italy prevented me from being able to upload photos and you just cannot convey Italy without the visuals! So now it’s time to play catch up.
On our first full day in Naples we took a guided tour of the Island of Capri, which included the town of Capri and it’s higher elevation neighbor, Anacapri. This was my third visit to the island, but my first time to Anacapri. I think people neglect Anacapri and opt for only Capri because they feel it is less glamorous than Capri with its celebrity and yacht owning clientele. This reputation also makes Capri insanely expensive and a bit off putting at times.
After arriving by ferry from the Port of Naples we had to rush to make it to Anacapri before buses stopped running. Aldo, our guide, said that the new mayor is limiting the hours for buses to run on the only two roads on the island. Aldo also wanted to beat the throngs of cruise ship visitors that would soon be arriving. Anacapri was lovely, it was early so shops and restaurants were just opening and we did beat the crowds.
Arrival at the port on Capri
Only tiny beaches on Capri
Aldo, guide extraordinaire, over 25 years of experience, and so stylish!
The highlights for Sam and I of Anacapri differed greatly, mine had to do with handmade shoes and his with a playground, we both have our obsessions.
L’Arte del Sandalo Caprese is just one of many sandals stores on Anacapri and Capri. What I liked the most about this one though is the variety of designs and the fact that the craftsman, Antonio, is so on display for you to see your sandals being finished.
The shoes are a feast for the eyes, check out the gladiators! and the craftsmanship is fun to watch
I have to tell you that Sam has had to endure more than one handmade shoe place with me, it’s kind of one of my things, poor kid.
Sam on Capri, August, 2016
Sam in Dubai, February, 2016
On to Capri for some glam. Window shopping and people watching are my favorite past times on Capri. Staples for window shopping are tons of beautiful linen pieces, the colors blue and coral, beautiful ceramics with a tropical and nautical theme and glam accessories.
Colors of the sea on Capri
Glam!
One of my favorite places that I always visit is Carthusia, a perfume company founded in 1948 on Capri that uses centuries old alchemy to create lovely Mediterranean inspired scents from flowers. The scents are very light and airy, not heavy, chemical or artificial. Not only is Capri home to its flagship store, but also its factory where you can see how production is still carried out by hand in a lovely apothecary setting. My favorite scent has always been Mediterraneo, made with lemon leaves and green tea, but on this visit I really liked Corrallium, made from bergamot, tangerine, myrrh, bay leaves, sage, patchouli, cedar, musk and sedum. You can of course try the different scents and their lines include lotions, lip balms, room fragrances, soap, shower gel and candles.
Carthusia factory and store, Capri
After smelling perfume made from the flowers of Capri, it is great to walk through the beautiful gardens next to the Carthusia factory and to take a break with a cold granita. A granita is similar to a frozen slushy and is found all over during the summer months in southern Italy. Here is a recent Williams-Sonoma article on how to make them. The most common flavor is lemon, but my favorite is melon, cantaloupe flavor. The place near Carthusia has the most flavors I have seen in one spot.
Gardens next to Carthusia, Capri
Granitas, Capri
I really like to people watch on Capri as well and see a lot of great style.
myviewfromabroad 