What's up with Arizona?

   In my dream, as I'm sipping wine and eating the best pizza I know of in Rome, some uniformed official walks up to me and demands to see my passport. Darn, it's at the hotel via Boschetto. Signore, I'm on my anniversary trip and we walked here so per favore wait. And I don't speak Italiano very bene.
   I was recently in Italy and it got me thinking. What if I was stopped and demanded to see my proof that I was only visiting Italia? I'd be more than a little offended knowing Italians are very laid back, gain a huge livelihood off my tourism but most importantly what did I do to piss them off. Now I'm now wishing I'd forgone that second glass of wine to explain who I am without any paper proof. Now this is just a dream but imagine this.
   Imagine now you're in your car or on the bus getting to work and some dude has stopped you to ask to see your proof that you belong legally in the United States. I'd be quite offended. This is based on how I appear to look. I'll tell you right now, my husband looks European, but he's Mexican. He's here legally, always has been, but he wouldn't even get stopped based on looks, yet he's Mexican. I mean, damn, I even mistook his best friend and during first introductions. I asked ignorantly, "And what part of Mexico are you from?" His darker skinned, Hispanic looking friend said, "Well actually I'm from Texas." Oh, well so much for making a good impression on this cutie I was crushing on...he eventually forgave me (hence the marriage) but his friend I'm sure thought I was quite an idiot for some time.
   And I was ignorant. Ignorant to the fact that not everyone who looks a certain was is or in some cases isn't. And that's the problem. No one should be stopped because they look like a thief, illegal immigrant, call girl etc unless they've committed some sort of crime. I mean, really? This is some one's real answer to an immigration problem?
   I know it exists. I know it's not fair to my husband who played by the rules for others to break them. It makes it all more expensive and harder for us who play by the rules. But there are limits to policing this problem and I'm happy Obama and Calderón are coming together over this. Texas must remember it benefits from many Hispanics whether legal or not. It does. It may hurt too but there's no reason to support Arizona's ignorance in this particular method at solving this issue. Better solutions can be deployed.

Here's a story about Obama and Calderón coming together over Arizona that inspired me to write today.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7013495.html

I welcome comments. And as it's been said before...but yes, the Jews were forced to wear stars for the Nazis. Read Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place. She was a Christian jailed and lucky she didn't die in captivity for her attempts to stand up what she believed in.

Finding Your Paradise

Via Krupp in Capri, Italia

Capri, Italy is often recognized as a vacation destination for stars and the wealthy. But normal people can go too and climb this breathtaking mountainous landscape surround by the turquoise blue Mediterranean. Jackie-O and Elizabeth Taylor both fancied the island. My husband and I did as well. Don't make the mistake and settle for a day trip. You’ll only get an impression of the island that fills with hundreds of day-trippers wishing they would have booked a night or two. Stay, stray and let the mystic island woo you with its grapefruit size lemons and flora straight out of the Garden of Eden.

We visited for three glorious days and the only disappointment was that the waters were still cold from winter. Beginning in June swimming stays enjoyable till September. 

Where to Stay and Eat

On the way to Villa Jovis

La Tosca is a family run hotel that prides itself on making the tourists feel at home with their suggestions for places to dine or places to see. For a nominal fee, we had the splendid view of the Fragolini rocks as we munched on fresh croissants for breakfast. The location is perfect with the Garden of Augustus close by as well as the center of town.
Their suggestions for food were right on. The food in Capri can only be described as inspirational. My husband and I dined on fresh baked eggplant with mozzarella and tomato melted inside at EDIVINO. Only over a year old, this unique eating spot is one to try. Guests are invited to eat within the owners’ very home. We chose the inside porch at first but then moved inside to the dining room. Antiques and old photos of family were part of the decor. The menu is printed daily and the night we dined, the menu was scribbled on paper, our first hint of the absolute freshness of the cuisine we were about to enjoy. One of the brothers sat beside us and explained each menu item so we knew all our choices for our dinner. Another great establishment that offers wonderful brick oven pizza and the best pasta to place on your taste buds called Tagliatelle di Limone is Buca di Bacco. This restaurant offers a small, but great view of the Mediterranean waters as you sip your vino, made in Capri.

Getting there
Getting to Capri is an adventure in and of itself. We came from Rome, so we rode the train to Naples. The fast train gets there in an hour, the slow about two hours. We did pay more for the fast train but it was worth it. Once in Naples, take a taxi. The taxi for two is around 15 euros. I clasped my husband's hand as we made our way through downtown Naples. The driver barely braked in time for the passersby that jumped out in front of buses and cars as if there was no one else on that rule-free road. The bus is super cheap but packed and makes it difficult to keep a safe hold on your possessions. Once we reached Beverello, we caught the hydrofoil to Capri. There's a ferry that's cheaper but it is also slower. The hydrofoil is 16 euros and takes 45 minutes. Once docked in Marina Grande you have arrived but are not quite there. The cheapest ascent is taking the funicolare (is as fun as it sounds). You may also take a bus or convertible cab. The funicolare takes you to the main square atop Capri.

View from the Garden of Augustus

Anacapri
Worth the roller coaster bus ride to the highest and less touristy part of the island, Anacapri is worth your time. Whether shopping, making your way to Monte Solaro or walking the many winding paths to discover the lighthouse resting on the edge of the island, Anacapri inspires one to pack up and move here. A philosophical garden invites you to chose a path: idealism or realism. I chose idealism.
Whether climbing the path to Villa Jovis (2 euros) to see where Tiberius ruled ancient Rome or ordering fresh gelato and eating it as you make your way to the Via Krupp to walk down the staggering cliffs to the sea below, I guarantee you will fall in love with Capri as we did.