Thursday we went into the city of Naples (Napoli) and had an opportunity to see what it was all about. We will use the public transportation systems a lot while in Italy because we are forbidden to drive (more information to come on that one!) The purpose of this trip was to teach us how to use the public transportation system and let me tell you, it is an adventure!! Two wonderful guys that work for the MWR spent the day teaching us and showing us around Naples. Jerry was born and raised in Naples and works for the MWR, he was an expert for the language barriers! Michael is from San Diego and has been in Naples for two years and also works here for the MWR.
We started from our hotel and caught the bus (excellent option, but can be a little unreliable and crazy) into part of Naples and then took the metro (like the subway) into downtown Naples. They showed us around and taught us how to get to the port when we wanted to take a ferry somewhere (like Capri :) and what our different options where as far as regional trains (staying within the Campania), metro (local city), and trenitalia (big fast trains that take you to other regions). A little complicated, but I think I am figuring it out. We kind of wandered around and it was SO neat to just see all the tall buildings that line every city block, open air markets everywhere, and the endless crowds of people. There is so much history within the city and it is so interesting and very different. You always picture all the clothes and Italian flags hanging from apartment patios and that is EXACTLY what it is!!
We stopped and had lunch at a WONDERFUL little Pizzeria. It is all very reasonably priced and oh my goodness it is absolutely delicious!! It is so fresh and simple and incredible. This a very big pizza and I did a pretty good job eating most of it unfortunately, but it was just the greatest thing ever!
Throughout Naples we were able to see some incredible architecture, buildings, statues, and views. I will try get a album started of each trip I make, but our internet is kind of slow. They do compare Naples to a large city like New York City and Chicago, so there are of course some unpleasant things, but it really is fascinating to be spending my time in what seems like a whole new world.
More to come soon! Tiff
OMG we are coming. Got a place 26 mi outside of Rome, so learn all, i want to use the transportation system as that is what it is all about...can't wait.
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