Mediterranean
Paradise
SEPT.
22 - CAPRI - I have a list in my head of all the
unusual things I want to do and all the exotic
places I want to visit before I die. The list
includes going on an African safari (done),
climbing Mt. Everest (it won't happen), setting
foot on Antarctica, diving on the wreck of the
Titanic (in a submersible) and more. This trip I
got to strike another goal off this list: swimming
in the Mediterranean.
Loving
the ocean as much as I do, I have long been seduced
by the clear, azure waters of the Mediterranean
that I've seen in countless movies and pictures.
When Michelle suggested we escape Naples for a
couple of days and go to the island of Capri off
the coast, I leapt at the opportunity. And Capri
not only met my high expectations, it far exceeded
them. The place is a true Mediterranean paradise.
The volcanic geology of the island creates magical
grottoes along the water and dramatic cliffs
towering above it all. The upscale town offers
everything from gelato to gourmet meals and kitschy
shops to designer boutiques. And of course, the
bright blue water is crystal clear -- and if you
enjoy snorkeling as I do, the dramatic geology
continues underwater in caves, crevices and rocky
reefs.
We
had not even been in Capri a day when we began
talking about returning. For those of you familiar
with Catalina Island, off the coast of California,
Capri is the mold from which it was cast -- but
Catalina is a mere shadow of Capri. We lamented the
fact that we only had two nights here, but at least
our abbreviated visit made our chances of a return
trip all the more certain.
Next:
Rome,
the Eternal City
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