Amalfi Coast, by land.

Our last crew day off was spent driving the Amalfi Coast.  Traveling among the narrow and winding roads bordering the coast, was incredible in every way.  After a lunchtime stop overlooking the Mediterranean and eating a genuine Caprese salad, we found a local beach wedged between two huge cliffs.  Pictures don't do it justice, but these were some of my pictoral attempts.    

Wining and Dining

About an hour outside of Naples, is the Mustilli Family Winery.  Situated inside of an ancient Medieval town, this little jewel of a winery, is run by Mr. Mustilli himself, an expert of the grape, who is carrying on his family's age-long tradition.  Our second day off was spent with this incredible man, walking through the underground wine cellar and tasting the fruits of his labour (the best part).  Just making wine, spending time with his family and living the simple life, beautiful.  The good wine was followed by great food at a local eatery, dining al fresco, ahhh yes.  The rest of the day was spent driving around the Campania countryside, a place laden with grape vines, ancient towns and truly down to earth Italian folk.  Love those Italians, I tell ya....proud of my Joely and his roots :-) 

Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius

Mt. Vesuvius: the nemesis of Pompeii.  When this mountain blew its top in the year 79 A.D., the thriving and mischievious town of Pompeii was buried, only to be discovered hundreds of years later.  It was only fit that our first day off was spent walking around the uncovered town of Pompeii, and then followed by a hike up to the top of Mt. Vesuvius: which was my first experience hiking an active volcano.  The fear of liquid hot magma exploding from the crater at any time, was in the back of my mind...but I think that drinking an Italian beer at such an altitude, and looking out onto the Coast of Napoli and its surrounding islands, eased the worry.  Pompeii is truly a masterpiece of art and history.  Makes me wish I would have payed a bit more attention in my European history class, but then again, I will never be a "read every plaque" kind of gal.  What we did appreciate was just walking around the town, imagining what it would have been like, way back in the day.  

Capri and me...

The Isle of Capri....swimming pools, movie stars, and deserted beaches.  The beach I found was just a jump over the marina wall, and there it was...aquamarine water lapping onto the shores of an untouched smooth stone and sea glass covered beach, situated next to a jutting cliff and a world away from Prada.  The water was pure, clear and cool, and especially fantastic on a steamy Mediterranean day.  And for a gal who spends most of her time in a oven-heated galley, looking down upon sautee pans, the beauty of a refreshing dip is never taken for granted.  Saltwater therapy, Capri-style.  

The island life on Ischia...

This little volcanic island situated at the Northern end of the Gulf of Naples, was our home port for one night.  Home to some of the finest spas and thermal baths in the world, and i'm not speaking from experience, unfortunately.  But we were able to go for a little late night stroll around the waterfront downtown area, which was fairly fabuloso.  Cobblestone streets, lined with cafes and shops, and unfortunately, many a tourist.  But the beauty I saw was in the local people...older Italian folk, who could be seen sitting on benches or outside tables with their croanies, in a totally relaxed and fulfilled manner, not being phased by the craziness that abounded.  Another great scene was this local artist in the midst of his work, being watched by his cute little son.  Just enjoying their company, and being happy with what they had.  The place had a fairy tale feel to it, as tourists whizzed by on horse driven carriages, and went for rides around the fountain in the center of town.  Brief stay in this fantasy land, but priceless, nonetheless.  Take us to Capri, Captain!    

In Ole Napoli....

As we cruised our way from Roma to Naples, the outline of Mt. Vesuvius moved its way into view.  And this pic was taken the next early morning, during my coffee-drinking wake-up session.  The infamous Mt. Vesuvius, most noted for covering up the little town of Pompeii hundreds of years ago.  Looking forward to exploring Pompeii and other little jewels as soon as this trip ends! 

Have skateboard, need pizza.

Upon our arrival into a the Porto di Roma, and after powering through 2 weeks of this 3 week charter, we declared it pizza night for the crew....and in Italy, everyone gets excited for pizza.  So i took the skateboard to the streets of the port, and rode into town, passing Vespas and many a pedestrian and young bambini.  After fetching this lovely delicacy of bread and cheese, these little rippas went into my backpack, and off we skated, back to the boat.  Just a girl, a backpack full of pizza, and a skateboard.  So, maybe I stuck out like a crazy Americano, but it was well worth the laughs.  Nothing like a good Italian pizza before a long night crossing to Naples....When in Rome...  

Under the Tuscan sun.

Upon entering Porto Venere, after a daytime cruise past the Cinque Terra, I had a geographic realization that we were in fact, in Tuscany!  Wow.  My first reaction was to step outside the galley door (what I call "my porch"), and let the gals know that I was just going to have a bask under the tuscan sun.  Cheesy, I know.   But the real Tuscan realization came when I hit the market one morning in Porto Venere.   The best of the best in produce.  Tomatoes, melons, raspberries, peaches, apricots, cucumbers, heads of lettuce...the most flavor packed ingredients I have ever tasted.  The crew and guests had a lunch tasting of these little beauties, on a platter filled with rotisserie chicken, buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocadoes, fresh focaccia, local pesto, and tuscan Balsamic and Olive Oil.  Ahhh, Tuscany.  Can't wait for a Belini!!!

Santa Marguerita.

Our first destination in Italy: Santa Marguerita.  Having a few days here without guests, we seized every opportunity to soak up the best of this quaint little seaside village that is nestled into the Italian Riviera.  Here you will not find camera wearing tourists, but rather a truly local vibe, filled with teeny focaccia shops, cute little old ladies perusing the markets, fresh pasta and mozzarella vendors, outdoor cheese and vegetable markets, open pedestrian squares, historic and ornate churches...and the best part of all are the little smooth rock beaches where the Mediterranean calmly laps onto the shore.  One night in particular sticks out in my mind, as some of the crew and I took a bottle of local wine to the beach, went for a swim in the cool Med, and consumed the vino....livin la Dolce Vita....when possible, that is :-)  

When the moon hits the eye....

 My favorite part about this boat is that the galley has a door to the outside.  And it came in handy today, as we pulled in to the little port here, and we had "You can't always get what you want," blasting on the speakers, as the warm wind blew in our faces, and the view of Italy was upon us.  It was one of those moments.     

Au Revoir France, Bonjourno Italy.

As the sun rises behind the city scape of Monte Carlo, we are just about to head out to sea, next stop, It-ly!!!  Very excited for the voyage and especially for the destination.  So, we say our "Au Revoirs," and start to practice our "Bonjournos," knowing that the Italian Riviera will be our home for the next 2 months.  What lucky birds we are.  Bella, Bella.