Okay, fine. I’ll admit it. I fell off the face of the earth last week. I got so swarmed with life and household chores. I became overwhelmed and unplugged myself from the blog and social media for a few days. It is uncanny how busy I have been yet I have nothing to show for it. I spend 8 hours a day in my lonely, quiet little office searching for the end of the internet (thank goodness for bloggers with more interesting lives than I and Pinterest) and at the end of the day, I take out the garbage, do the laundry, sweep the floors, load/unload the dishwasher, workout, eat a quick dinner, Skype with the Viper Pilot, and I’m in bed by 9:30 because I’m utterly exhausted.
None of us had any idea what to expect other than we read awesome reviews of these caves on Trip Advisor. The boat ride was less than desirable, but the view was stunning. The only reason I didn’t lose my cookies was because I had to get pictures and I think it preoccupied me. I was the sickest shade of green by the time we made it to the cave. I don’t have sea legs. I guess that’s why I married a pilot, huh?
Neptune’s Grotto is a marine cave carved in a spectacular sheer cliff. See the little white boat in the picture below? It’s docked at the cave entrance.
Now imagine that boat bobbing and heaving about 10-15 feet up and down and you have to walk across a narrow ramp over the water to get to the cave. This ramp is on wheels at one end and is tied to the cliff because it has to adjust when the boat goes up and down. There’s a big strong man on either end to help you across. Okay, there. Now you’re experiencing this with me.
Once I made it off the boat, and re-established my equilibrium, I did a 360 to soak in the view and decided the boat ride was well worth the misery and mushy insides. The cave is enormous, with long winding passages that delve far into the rock passing many fantastical stalagmites and stalactites. Do you know which one is which? One grows from the ground, the other from the ceiling…
The ticket into the cave provided us with a 40 minute guided tour in the enormous cave. The guide gave the tour first in Italian, then in German, and finally in English — and I picked up bits and pieces from each language. Look at me being all worldly. 🙂
The cave was discovered in the 18th century by fisherman (brave ones judging by my experience on these waters) and was named for the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. I pray to one and only one God, but I considered sending a little note to Neptune requesting calmer waters for our boat ride back.
Lighting in the cave was very dramatic and a flash was not necessary.
The ride back was, in fact, smoother and much more enjoyable. A light, subtle haze had settled in and made for stunning scenes along the steep cliffs lining the coast.
When our feet were firmly planted on dry land, we stopped into a pizzeria for lunch. Everyone, except me, ordered a delicious looking pizza. I opted for my usual, fettuccine alla pomodoro. Call me boring but I absolutely love this classic Italian dish and can’t get enough of it.
I’m home now, feeling more refreshed than ever. I even hired someone to mow the lawn until I can get my spark plug sparking again. 🙂 Heh, heh…
How was your three-day weekend? I know I don’t need to remind you, but I ask that you please don’t lose sight of why we were able to enjoy the holiday yesterday. In the words of a wise man,
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” -George S. Patton
We had another reason to celebrate yesterday. My favorite service member, the one we all know and love, got promoted!! 🙂 I’m so proud of him, I could burst.
See you later today! (I’m playing catch up and will most likely be posting twice in one day. It’s allowed.)
PROST!
cburtnett says
Amazing pictures!