The Ingredients of Life

Today, we took a ferry from Sorrento to the Island of Capri:

It's expansive, flower laced landscape and deep cliffs and caverns were breathtaking. It was also insanely hot today. I suddenly felt grateful for 75 degree Cleveland weather. I'd suspect it was 100 degrees at least, which did take its toll on all of us, but we managed to enjoy some shopping, a tour of the gardens at the top of the island and a boat tour around Capri. As our boat lulled in the water in a few spots, I watched kids and teenagers jumping off some of the smaller cliffs into the crisp, translucent water below and just float around the area. In that moment, I had the urge to stay there forever, just to be able to experience that whenever I felt like it:

I was fascinated and instantly thought of my grandma when we passed a villa owned by Sophia Loren. I could practically envision her sultry demeanor as she stood out on the terrace overlooking the sea. How I wished my gram was there ...

Also, the ice cream ... I forgot how amazing it is here. I'm not sure what they put in it, but it's rich, creamy texture hit a very hot spot today as we waited for the ferry back to Sorrento. I took it easy most of the day on food, after having a Hotel De Mare Continental breakfast that puts any U.S. Continental breakfast I've ever had to shame. But on our way home, my cousin, Rodica and her husband had us go to a restaurant with an outdoor patio and wooden grill where they prepared the food. I had a Tortellini Scampi entree which was prepared in a sauce that made the pasta practically melt in my mouth. The scampi still had their heads, which is how they prepare most entrees here, including fish. It's a little unnerving to have your food looking at you, but I got over it pretty quickly. We also delved into a 2008 bottle of Italian Cabernet Franc. And here I thought we'd stop at their version of a fast food place, Auto Grill, and grab something small for the road. My American, always on the go mind forgets itself sometimes, because today, tonight and every minute since I've been here, I've been reminded that life, food, company, conversation and indulging in the simple things ... that's what it's really all about. And if it isn't.

It should be.

~ C ~