Isle of Capri: Millenium Series 17,

In the entrance to the Bay of Naples sits the legendary Isle of Capri. High limestone cliffs, some as high as 900 feet, jut from sea to sky. Today the island is shrouded in a grey overcast with just a hint of rain in the air. To the west we can just see 1,920 foot, Monte Salaro, poking its head through the clouds. It is the highest point on the island.

Capri is a small island, covering a four square mile area. It is 1.5 miles at it's widest point and just 4 miles long. As the ship slows we get our first view of the town of Capri, its white and pastel buildings climbing the hillside.

Capri is crowned by the town of Anacapri, where modern stores offer elegant designer fashions and many other tempting goods. There is a tram that runs up the hill. If you are energetic, you may climb the 784 steps carved in the rock, to Anacapri.

Although tourism is the mainstay of the economy of the island, because of the climate and fertile soil, the cultivation and processing of olives for oil and grapes for wine are also a source of income. Oranges and other fruits including special Capri lemons are also revenue crops. Many of the decorative ceramics, plates, vases, tiles etc, are decorated with this special yellow fruit.

Blue Grotto**

Capri is also famous for the Grotta Azzura, the Blue Grotto. It is with great anticipation that we climb into the Stella's tenders, and head for the cavern. When we reach our destination, we are transferred to small rowboats. We are told we must lie down in the bottom of the boat as the opening to the famous grotto is only three feet high. Our rower sings as he takes through the opening into the cave. His sweet voice reverberates off the walls as we enter this wonderful place. It is like entering a magnificent cathedral,created by Mother Nature.

The water glows in shades of deep blue and turquoise. The glow reflects an azure hue on the white limestone walls, the ceilings and the stalactites. It lights up the whole cave.

The grotto is oblong in shape, 175 feet long, 41 feet high and 100 feet at it's widest. We are told that blue glow emanates from the light from the outside passing through the water. The water inside is 48 feet deep. In awe, we sit and reflect and enjoy. Too soon we must leave this beautiful place.

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