I think I need to make a medical appointment for mom. For her incessant snoring. I slept through most of the night and then... all of a sudden, it sounded like someone started mowing the lawn. I checked my phone and at least it was 5:15, only 15 minutes before I had scheduled the wakeup call. So I got dressed and headed to the gym, only to find out that it didn't open until 6. So instead, I ran 3 miles on the track that surrounds the perimeter of the ship on Deck 5.
After a shower and breakfast, we were ready for our excursion to Pompeii and the Amalfi coast. Probably about 25 people on this particular tour. We first stopped at a place that makes cameos, which is essentially art made out of local shells. It was very unique art, but after five minutes, we were all ready to go.
I was able to see Mount Vesuvius from the bus, and I couldn't help but wonder if I could get a plate of chicken vesuvio in the area. And then onto Pompeii. We spent about 20 minutes exploring the local outdoor tourist market. One thing about other countries, they really try to make you buy merchandise. Mexico has some really pushy people, but Italy isn't far behind. But what was strange for me personally was that three different sales guys thought I spoke Spanish. I don't know what country I look like I'm from, but I guess it's Spain or somewhere in South America.
We arrived in Pompeii pretty early, before the ancient city even opened. For the historical significance, we visited the famed ruins of Pompeii. It involved a lot of careful walking on uneven stones. They were certainly interesting to visit, but after an hour or so, it felt like I was just seeing the same thing again and again. Broken walls, limestone mortar, tightly crammed rooms. If I'm honest, lunch was a bit of a disappointment. We literally had no options. A fine mixed salad, creamy cannelloni with spinach, and a bit of lemon cake. I don't even like ricotta cheese! But somehow I managed to finish the pasta. On a bright note, each table got its own bottle of Italian red wine. I probably drank half of my table's bottle. Next thing I knew, I was passed out on the bus. And I do mean out.
I think a half hour later I woke up in Sorrento to view their amazing coastline. This was one of the most treacherous drives I have ever experienced. We were driving in a huge bus on a winding two lane mountain road. On at least ten occasions, an incoming car had to brake and back up so that we could pass through. I have no idea how Mario, our bus driver, was able navigate turns that a Prius shouldn't have even attempted. And we were able to see the Sea of Napoli and the town of Sorrento.
Our first stop on the coast was the Capri limoncello factory. The only other place I'd tried this potent little concoction was in Argentina. This one was 32% alcohol. I was surprised to find out that the beverage is made with lemon peels and no lemon juice. The sample was certainly good, but a little sour.
The Amalfi coast is an absolute gem. The sights are breathtaking between the mountains, the sea, the colorful villages, the homes and hotels right on the sides of the mountain. I've never seen a tapestry quite like this part of Italy. And they feature numerous restaurants that have earned Michelin stars. But my gosh, to drive it is unreal. Almost no parking to be found. Gas is almost eight bucks a gallon. Only one road to drive, so the traffic is constant.
We eventually made it to downtown Amalfi. No doubt this packed little town had the nicest merchandise I'd seen in Italy up to this point. I purchased a hand painted olive oil holder/pourer that depicts the town of Amalfi. I've never owned one of these before and this was just the kind of town from which I wanted to take a souvenir. Plus it's unique and something that can't just be purchased randomly on Amazon or Ebay.
We grabbed a quick plate of spaghetti and clams and then we boarded a speedboat to Salerno. Counting the 45 minute drive back to Naples, we were gone from the ship a total of nine hours.
The dress code for dinner was formal. Now I was not about to bring a suit in my bag as I knew it was heavy and it would get wrinkled. But I had my black slacks and a black collar-free button down shirt along with my black dress shoes I wear to work. I put them on and went to dinner alone. Looking at the empty chair across from me, it made me long for companionship. Of course I would have liked my mother to join me. I don't know where she went after we got back. But I couldn't help but visualize a woman who I could love, and would love me, and I could take these kinds of trips with. The more time goes on, the more I doubt that it will ever happen. Maybe LB could be it. But I don't know, I think the long distance may be messing with me. As much as I like traveling, I don't know if cruising is something I would want to do alone when I'm surrounded by couples.
In regards to dinner, I was quite impressed. I had a Chinese waitress and we talked for maybe ten minutes about the different places we've visited. She mentioned her trip to Capri that day and I told her about Amalfi. I started my meal with a nice glass of Chilean red wine. My appetizer was a crab cake with an apple slaw. Then although I considered ordering the lamb shank with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, I had prime rib with broccoli and potato croquettes. Really, really good, I just wish I could have had horseradish to spice it up. Dessert was strawberry cheesecake and I was definitely impressed, and I don't say that about cheesecake very often. Not too much topping, but just enough to flavor it. The cheesecake had that little bit of tartness to it as well to liven it up. I will definitely get it again.
"Flight" was a musical about the history of aviation, starting in the present and working backwards to the early 1900s. Probably the highlight was the reenactment of the Wright brothers' first flight in Kitty Hawk. The lowlight was the six year old girl who wouldn't stop screaming three seats down from me. I don't believe spanking kids is an ideal method of discipline... but for this girl, she deserved it. And I'd have been the first to get in line with the belt.
After the show ended, I decided to drop into Schooner's to listen to Andrew play the piano. I took a seat at the bar and began downing mojitos. I requested "How Deep is Your Love" and right towards the end, my mother showed up. I knew she'd been drinking as I had and I wanted some time alone. I don't remember much of the five minute conversation. I do remember not saying anything critical. But I remember so well that lead in. She has a way of setting you up when she's about to say something hard.
"This cruise has hit me like a bomb. And now I finally realize it. Not only do I realize that you don't love me..."
I interrupted right there. It was so selfish, so nonsensical, and so ridiculous, that I had to cut the conversation off. I don't know if that was the alcohol or a personality problem. I couldn't bear to hear one more word. I told her this was insulting and I didn't need to be part of this conversation. I got up and walked off.
The Perfect Couple game show. I admit I'm always hoping there will be a question so awkward, so embarrassing, so revealing, that it will inevitably lead to a breakup. Is that bad of me? Honestly, as hurt as I've been and as I've messed over as I've been, it's hard for me to not be bitter. Copper and Fiddle pub for a couple of beers and that was the end of my night.
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