"The Sun is Always in My Eyes"

Sorry it's been so long since my last post! Anyways, a few things to catch everyone up ...

This past week my cousin Kim and her friend Connie were here. It was exciting to have someone from home visit ... and they brought me Jiffy PB, so you can't get much better than that. On Wednesday, I skipped my class and showed them around Rome. I was pretty impressed with their speed tourist abilities after flying all night from the States. On Thursday, I had class all day while they saw the Vatican. But for dinner, I introduced them to Amadeus (the best and cheapest pizza in Roma).

Friday, we left for Capri.
I am in love with Capri. Absolutely, head over heals in love. I want to go back, and I know my version of Heaven will be just like it. It was a long day of traveling to get there - 2 1/2 hour train ride, bus ride, and a ferry.

We finally made it to our B&B, Il Tromonto ("sunset") around mid afternoon. I am 2-2 for finding amazing hostels and budget hotels. I am beginning to think I have a gift. Our B&B had an amazing hostess who went out of her way to help us with anything and everything. After awhile, we decided we wanted to climb up to the top of AnaCapri (top of the Capri island), and on the way we met an Italian women who showed us a path to take up. It's amazing how friendly Italians are as soon as you step outside of Rome. Everyone said hello, they were all warm and friendly, and would help you find your way. We finally made it to the top of a look out point ... the view was breathtaking. The vastness was indescribable and nothing I say will do it justice. We met another Italian, and he showed us another path that would give us a view of the Faraglioni (the three stacks off of Capri in the Med. Sea: Stella, Mezzo, and Scopolo). We spent a decent amount of time trying to communicate with the older man, who knew about as much English as I know Italian. It was fun though, and Kim's spanish came in handy while were were talking.

On the way back down from the hike, we stumpled upon Parco Filosofico (Philosphy Park). You could either follow Idealism or Realism, and at the end you followed a sign labeled Ultimo or "The Highlight", which led you to the most amazing view of the Bay of Naples. Later that evening, after seeing the most beautiful sunset, we stumbled upon an old church (I know, shocking to see a beautiful, one of a kind church in Italy). We went inside and actually were just in time for mass. So lucky and such a blessing. After church, we went out to dinner at a restaurant recommended by our B&B hostess. I figured that since I was on an island in the Med. Sea, I should have some seafood ... I ordered sea food spaghetti which ended up having mussels and clams. It was actually really good! I know Mom and Dad, it's okay if you don't believe me. Haha.

The next day we tried to go see the Blue Grotto, but it was closed. We were on the island in the off season, so no tours were open. But we still went walking around and stumbled upon Il Faraglioni on the other side of the island. It was breathtaking. I can't think of another word to describe the scenery. We were so lucky too, because we were the only people there. So unusual and definitely a highlight for coming in the offseason. This part of the trip was probably my favorite, and it was more exciting when I saw jellyfish in the water. I immediately thought of you, Maggie, and the cruise. Haha.

Well, now I am back in Rome. I have been here 6 weeks - unbelievable!
I can't really believe how fast time is going by.
Next weekend I am going to Hamburg, Germany to meet up with our family friend, Nicky. And next Sunday just so happens to be my 21st! It's not too late to send me presents ;)

You are loved and prayed for,
Kaitlin

"I think life is too long to be a whale in a cubicle."
-Andrew Bird