The Last King of Capri

When you go to Capri you will be captivated by the charm the island offers, and it all starts with your ferry ride there.

As you get closer, the island looks more and more magical. The sun makes the water sparkle and the white houses gleam.

It is a short walk from the docking area to the lower part of the island. This five minute walk is just enough time to get swept up into the magic of Capri. My advice to you is DO NOT RESIST. Let it happen; be open to the magic, and let Capri make you some promises it definitely can keep.

Capri promises to be a bustling, but intimate town on the sea. There are lots of people from all over the world hanging out. Their intention is the same as yours…to make this tiny bit of heaven on earth theirs for a short time.

The preferred modes of transportation around Capri are very fast taxis and motor scooters, but Ashleigh and I chose to explore the island on foot.

If shopping is your pleasure, Capri keeps its promise to delight. Some things are irresistible, like custom fitted sandals.

Don’t pass up an opportunity for local drinks. They promise to be delish! Of course, potato chips are a part of the experience.

If you’re following Capri’s winding streets, the promise of finding some original Roman roads is always there. Maps can help.

But local cats like to linger on old roads with Roman inspired signs.

 

Once you’ve explored the Marina Grande level of Capri, go for the promised beauty of the upper island. You can climb up, but I promise, it is more fun to take the Capri Funicular. This funicular is a railway that connects the Marina Grande with the Piazza Umberto in the center of the island. The funicular costs very little for a short, yet eventful ride.

Climb on, and make yourself happy by sitting near a window to see some great views. (Oh…take a selfie)

Get a pic of your traveling companion.

And then, focus on the promised beauty of Capri.

After a four minute ride on the funicular, visitors get dropped off at the piazza where you will find even more people having a wonderful time.

But if you want to really see Capri, move past this pretty square and sweet little clock tower and start walking.

Every little turn promises a surprise, which is how I met the Last King of Capri. We walked under a balcony and looked up, and there was Antonio, the Last King of Capri. This is a title his friends have bestowed upon him.

Antonio is the proud owner of a garden full of plants, exotic flowers, organic veggies and herbs. Here’s a shot.

The view of Capri from the garden is fabulous.

Celebrating Italian hospitality, Antonio shared two things with us. The first was a toast that I have grown to love to say….Cent anni. It means 100 years or loosly, may you live 100 years. The second thing he shared was his recipe for limoncello.  Limoncello is a lemon-flavored Italian liqueur, and it is amazing. Here’s how it looks.

King Antonio promised his recipe was foolproof, and so, of course, I tried it. Check it out!!!

Start with the best possible lemons. Wash them. Peel the lemons, taking only the yellow and none of the white. The white part is bitter.

Put the lemon peels in a clean bottle and pour pure alcohol over them. (About 10-12 lemons and a bottle of the grain booze.) It will look like this. See, no color in the liquid.

Keep the jar out of direct light. I was told not to disturb it for at least two weeks and for as long as four. It will look like this.

Do not disturb the liquid; do not lift the top to smell it. Promise not to do this, and you will be rewarded for your patience. When you are ready, strain the liquid from the peels. The liquid will be beautiful.

Prepare a simple syrup of water and sugar in equal amounts….I did five cups water to five cups sugar. Heat the water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Completely cool the syrup.

Gently add the syrup to the amber colored liquid.

The final product looks like this. Decant in smaller bottles if you wish. Keep chilled. A king’s promise kept; it is delicious.

Capri promises to be unforgettable. It allows you to take a little bit of it home with you …a sunny memory, a new friendship, a vibrant recipe, a robust toast. Cent anni!  Love,from the Unseasoned Traveler.