Back from Italy (Alas)
My lap top stopped working in Capri, so I soldiered on with my iPad and iPhone, but didn’t post here as frequently as I might have. The lap top is now fine (fried power cord) and I’m on the desk top. Here are some photos (our of hundreds) and some more reflections.
My wife and I have been all over the world. We’ve piloted the Goodyear Blimp, had such a large presidential suite in Bangkok that we couldn’t find each other (and agreed to meet at the grand piano), crossed the Atlantic on the largest suite on the seas on the Queen Mary II, climbed Mexican pyramids, and so on. I tell you that, because this trip to Italy, probably our tenth, was one of our very best, ever.
We stayed in four world-class properties (Baglioni in Milan, Aminta Resort in Stresa, Santa Caterina in Amalfi, Quisisana in Capri) and dined in both Michelin restaurants and local tavernas. We saw The Last Supper and visited La Scala, roamed around Pompei and sailed back and forth to Capri. Amalfi is like Shangri-La, hard to believe it exists.
I’ll focus on the final days of the trip in Capri. The Quisisana is a super-luxury property in Capri itself (as opposed to Anacapri) with more luxury stores in the streets per square foot than you can count, but mixed in with an assortment of cafés, gardens, winding paths, and so on. The walking is a test with steep hills, but the sheer beauty and charm of the place are staggering. You can have a cup of espresso, or buy an outfit for $35,000. (I found throughout Italy that once you took a seat anywhere, you were spending at least $40 and usually much more!)
Air France did a marvelous job and on returning last night from Paris, we walked only 60 seconds to immigration (like all foreign carriers, the flight attendants allow first class and business class to exit before the rest of the plane), found our luggage already on the carousel, breezed through customs and found our driver outside—eight minutes after leaving the plane! My kudos to Boston, which is providing a nice welcome to the US. (I’m a Global Entry member but we’ve yet to sign up my wife, who doesn’t take kindly to my using a faster line!).
We’re returning next year. Here’s why:
At the amphitheater in Pompei, right after my speech to test the acoustics (pro bono).
A cast from one of the victims in Pompei. Lava never reached the city, but ash covered it.
The entry to our suite in the Quisisana, with more rooms beyond.
Part of our huge balcony in Capri overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Amalfi, from the ferry pier.
Kevin Wunderly
Wow, Alan! Absolutely beautiful. I’ve heard how wonderful Italy is and definitely need to plan a trip there. Ironically, I’ve just recently connected and made friends with someone who is from there so now I not only have a personal tour guide, but a great excuse to go there! Thanks for sharing…
Roberta Matuson
I checked in on your blog frequently while you were gone with the hopes that you would post some pics. These photos are a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us. Thank you for taking me back to a place that I love.
Alan Weiss
More to come on the blog, and you can see what I’ve posted on Facebook, as well, thanks. We’re going back.