Italy - Day Eight

Isola di Procida was chosen as our destination spot for many reasons including its off-the-beaten track reputation, jaw-dropping views, affordability and friendliness. Without a doubt - the island has exceed all of her whispered promises to us.

She is a reluctant pageant entry along among the beauty queens of the Amalfi coast. Shy, modest and unassuming contestant - she is happy to forfeit the tiara and roses to her proud neighbors.

Today - we take to the black volcanic sand beach for a day of rest and reflection.

We are eager to drift away outdoors and away from the busier streets for the day. We have finished our first week on the island.

Cautiously we descend the moss-covered stone stairs to the tourist-free beach far below our starting point. Sunlight dapples along the walkway and lizards scamper away at the sound of our approaching footsteps - it is a beautiful vision. We pause frequently pretending to admire the flowers and views as we catch our breath - and worry about the return assent that faces us later in the day.

The Beach Club is empty except for one other couple. A few other visitors dot the public beach far from our spot on this secluded cove. Today is overcast. As cloud rush across the sky, the sun warms our skin just long enough to keep us comfortable before darker cool breezes tickle us.

This is heaven on earth. Only the tiring uphill walk home reminds us that we are human and not angels.