Selfie Life Update

Over the last two weeks I have tried to pick up some Expert Tips to further improve my Selfie Stick Smile.  What I've noticed is that by cocking one's head to the side, it gives the allusion that I wasn't aware the camera was around but as soon as I saw it my reaction was "oh heyyyy, I'm just having some fun jumping around over here. We should hang out sometime. OK Byeeeee!"

Below is some of my best work in Rome and never ever neglect the Skinny Arm. 

The Greatest Reward From Hard Work Is the Work Itself. 

Sweatin' Around the Oldies

Rome is HOTTTT!!

We are working on something a little more comprehensive for our time here in Rome, but if you come in the summer be prepared to sweat. It has been 95 each day we have been here so when you add in a ton of walking it can get the best of you. 

Despite all this there is still a large portion of men that rock a suit like they were born in it. 

Rome - AirBnb front door and Coca-Cola pictures

The best souvenir in Rome

Many many years ago Rome experienced a rodent problem so they went to Egypt and brought back cats. To this day cats still roam the ancient ruins and some are known to inhabit the area where Caesar was killed in 44 BC (Largo di Torre Argentina). This place is now an official cat sanctuary and the cats were given protection in 2001 as part of Rome's "bio-heritage". 

There are about 250 cats living there, all spade and neutered, and are fed by a volunteer group. 

The best part about it... they are all up for adoption for 13 euros! 

Largo di Torre Argentina:

Amalfi Coast - Bungalow front door and Coca-Cola pictures

The Road to Amalfi... The Danger Zone

Friday, August 28th:

Our Final Day of the Busabout Tour was another early wake up with the bus rolling out of the campsite at 7:30. We were headed to the Almafi coast to check out a few of the towns before making the four hour trip back to Rome and Camping Roma. Mel gave us a brief itinerary and warning about the road we were about to take on the mornings journey. The road to Amalfi is full of twists and turns along sheer cliffs. Due to the make up of the roads there are numerous restrictions that range from the size of the vehicle all the way to what days of the week locals are allowed to drive theirs cars (basically use the same method used for gas after hurricane Sandy). The bus we rode in was the largest type of vehicle allowed on the roads and is only allowed to drive southbound.  Busabout actually hires local drivers that understand how the Almalfi coast works... this day would put our driver, Salvitore, to the test and then some.

After her warning, Mel turned on The Danger Zone and let the music do the talk. I can honestly say I have never seen views like what we witnessed on this trip. Blue water as far the eye can see and another awe inspiring view at every turn.  You could actually hear the entire bus gasp/ groan/ grunt at every right turn or moved that speed around us into a blind corner. These Italian drivers a crazy but you can tell they have absolute confidence in their ability and the drivers around them. Even the pedestrians on the sidewalk don't flinch as the drivers narrowly pass by. 

We made our first stop at a roadside stand that sold fresh fruit, fresh orange juice and postcards. It was then back on the bus as we continued to Amalfi. 

The bus pulled in around 9:30 and we had some time to grab breakfast and a coffee before heading out on our boat cruise. The whole group followed Mel to Lo Scugnizzo for fresh pastries and Ashley split a giant doughnut filled with Nutella. Just what we needed before swim. The group made our way back the dicks and jumped aboard our boat for the hour cruise that would show us some the coastline as well as a 20 minute swim. A few of the group headed to Lovers Arch to do some rock jumping before we all got back on the boat and headed to port. We had about 30 minutes to walk around, so Ashely and I grabbed a gelato in town. Typing this out, Amalfi proved to be quite an unhealthy eating spot for us. Well worth it, but yikes!

Leaving Amalfi we headed to Ravello, a smaller town up in the mountains. First we had to go through Fiori and this is where Salvatore showed how well he dominates the road. The man is an artist with the bus and it was as much entertaining as it was frightening to watch him work. Well done Sir!

Arriving safely in Ravello, had some time to grab a sandwich from a local market, Alimentari. We grabbed the Tomato, Mozarella and Salami on ciabatta for €5 and a €2 Arrancini Ball (rice ball). Both were delicious and hit the spot. We then had some time to walk around the town and found it quite peaceful compared to the busy beach towns. It was the perfect spot to relax before jumping back on the bus and make for Rome. On our way out of town, Ashley spotted a Cameo shop and scored a beautiful pair of earrings, handmade in the shop. Not a bad keepsake for this wonderful trip.

Salvatore's couldn't relax just yet as he had to get us over the coastal mountain range and then back down again. With the grace and ease he demonstrated earlier in the day he made it to the freeway with no troubles and the majority of the bus fell to sleep to rest before we got back into Camping Roma.

After a quick check in we did some laundry before our last big group dinner. A solid close to a great trip and we have to thank not only Mel for leading us, but the entire group for creating such a fun atmosphere and welcoming the two of us in. Hope to see you all again soon.

Ashley's snaps:

Amalfi Coast Tour: Mix of Day 2 & 3 - snaps from August 27th & 28th from Ashley Habeck on Vimeo.

Isle of Capri - The worlds most beautiful amusement park

Thursday, August 27th:

The morning started at 8am today.  We jumped on a public boat from our campsite which would drop us off at Capri for the day. Upon arrival in the largest port of the island, Marina Grande, Melissa steered us in the direction of a cafe overlooking the water for an optional breakfast and cafe. We took advantage since we had a few excursions planned for the day.

The majority of the group was first going to the Blue Grotto so we spilt up in taxis.  These are not your average yellow and black taxi like we are used to in NYC. They are open air cars with two rows of seating and a canopy top for shade.

The ride to the blue grotto from the port was about 30 minutes... and the craziest 30 minutes of our trip yet. The streets are as narrow as a one way road in the states but in Capri they handle two way traffic which is why all their cars are tiny.

We arrived at the blue grotto and were met with a 45 minute wait which wasn't too bad compared to the line we witnessed after leaving. The Blue Grotto is one of the various geological wonders on the island and is known for being a swimming spot for emperor Tiberius during the years he retired. With the sunlight passing through an underwater cavity, a blue reflection illuminates the cavern. It extend 50 meters into the cliff and it's about 150 meters deep. 

YOUR average Blue Grotto experience: $13 euros to get in a boat, lay down on small boat so you don't hit your head on the rocks upon entering the grotto, guide paddles around & sings while you view the listening clear blue water, exit the same way you entered and your done!

OUR Blue Grotto experience: $13 euros to get in a boat, lay down on small boat so you don't hit your head on the rocks upon entering the grotto, guide paddles around & sings while you view the listening clear blue water, TIP THE GUIDE $5 EUROS TO "FALL IN" AND SWIM ABOUT THE GROTTO LIKE THE EMPERORS ONCE DID, exit the same way you entered and your done!

Because we made such good timing with our first stop we decided to take a taxi to Anacapri which is the town directly beneath Monte Solaro. In town you can take a 20 minute chair lift for $10 euros to the top of the mountain which is the highest point of the island and where Emperor Tiberius spend his retirement for the last 10 years of the life. The views were absolutely stunning and breathtaking. Who wouldn't want to retire here?

(Pic of chair ride going up)

With about 45 minutes to spare we taxied back down to the port, grabbed lunch quickly and jumped on the boat. We took the long way home and the captain gave us a complete tour around the island passing dozens of cliff side beach resorts, the second oldest lighthouse in Italy (Punta Carena which is said to be seen for up to 50 miles) and 2 other Grottos (Green and White).

One of the most beautiful views we came upon was the Faraglino - which is a rock formation that juts out on the south east point of the island. The Faraglino di Maezzo is characterized by a central cavity and large enough to allow our boat to go through!

We also noticed that around this area is where all the huge yatchs like to anchor for the day. I'm not sure what was more spectacular .... the Faraglino or how massive these yatchs and all the toys that came with them (helicopters, jets skis, pools, bouncy rafts, giant swan and flamingo floats). We even came across the same yatch, Arctic, that we passed in Bora Bora when on our honeymoon. What a small world?! I decided upon myself that by any chance we run into this yatch one more time it's a sign that we must book a stay on it.

The tour concluded by bidding farewell to statue of a man waving on top of a rock. It is said if you wave back at if you will one day return to the Isle of Capri.

Everyone was so excited to get back to the campsite because that meant cliff jumping.  After what felt like a full day of direct sunlight it felt so refreshing to cool off in the water.

Dinner that night was at the campsite. It was great way to relax and chat about the full packed day we had.  

Taking it on the Road - Day One

Wednesday, August 26th:

Day One of our bus tour was a fairly early start, so we were very happy to be staying at the hostel that served as the departure point for the three day excursion.  It was Wednesday morning and we were headed to see some points of southern Italy. Our stops would include Pompeii, Sorrento, the Isle of Capri, Amalfi, Ravello and then back to Rome.

Our group consisted of "heaps of Aussies", a few Kiwis, a Canadian and two Americans.  All walks of life were represented with Students, Tradesmen, Lawyers and the Unemployed. As our fearless leader, Mel, started initial intros there wasn't much response at 8am, but conversation began to pick up after we stopped for coffee and breakfast.

The bus trip was beautiful as Rome and its "suburbs" gave way to farmlands and towns built on top of the hills and mountains. Sometime between 10:30 and 11 (don't quote me on that time) Mt Vesuvius began to loom in the distance as we headed to Pompeii.  We continued to make our way down the coast and as we approached Sorrento, Mel told us of the Camorra Mafia. If you want to details, check out the book Gomorrah that paints a solid picture of this family's history.

We arrived at Pompeii around 11:30 and had some time to try a Granita before heading into the ruins with our guide Carmine. A Granita is delicious by the way. It's lemon juice, sugar, water and slushed ice. Basically it is an incredible slurpee, but the area is known for their lemons and you get the feeling its a bit more fresh/ natural.

The uncovered city was for sure a site to see. We were there for the highlights like the theatre, the gladiator gym, spa, brothels with detailed frescos and the main forum. It would be every easy to spend a full day walking around the city if one wanted. The site has about 1/3 left uncovered for future generations to have some fun as well. Carmine explained that the ruins start about six feet under the surface, so they don't have to far to dig.  I personally found the "rich persons" home to be the most interesting part of the tour.  Due to the ash that covered the city, a majority of the frescos in the house were still intact showing the full array of colors. Hard to believe that paintings from 79AD are right in front of you.

The tour concluded after about an hour and forty five minutes. I for one was very glad we went to the ancient city. Having read books and heard stories since elementary school it was enjoyable to finally see it all person. 

After the tour we had time for a quick bite outside the gates and then back on the bus to Sorrento.

This road was quite a site to see. Driving on the coastal road in the mountains that overlook the Bay of Naples was breathtaking. It's hard to comprehend how these homes were constructed into the cliffs to make up all the small towns along the way. As we pulled into Sorento we headed for the far side of town for our Hostel, Village Campeggio Santa Fortunada, home base for the next two nights. 

Check in was painless and we made the 10 minute cliff walk to the slab of rock that served as the beach for a quick swim prior to showering for our group dinner in town. 

With everyone together we went to try limoncello and have a little lesson from a local maker in town.  A total character, Tony had us all laughing as he took us through the process and offered samples of the candy he makes at the store (we all got to watch him sample them first of course).

We then had some free time before the meal and everyone bought a beer or proseco, etc. and made our way to the best view in town. Ashley and I walked around the streets before meeting back up with the group for dinner and some post meal drinks. 

Quite a day to open up the trip.

Ashley's snaps from the day...

Amalfi Coast Tour: Day 1 - Snaps from August 26th from Ashley Habeck on Vimeo.