(10) SPRING BREAK: NAPLES, ITALY

In my previous blog I talked about Venice, Italy, and that I was surprised by my experience there. The next city on my travels is called Naples, Italy. This was perhaps the biggest surprise I have had in Europe yet! Although it has many interesting stories, I will share the most exciting events.

Naples, Day one: Our arrival to Naples was not a pleasant one. When we were dropped off at the airport we tried following the hostels directions; however this only let to more confusion and us circling the same city block about 5 times. Finally after finding someone who spoke decent English, we found the bus stop and were on our way to the hostel (Giovanni’s Hostel). This hostel was the most unexpected piece of haven. As soon as we walked in the owner, Giovanni, greeted us with open arms and a glass of water (the hike to his hostel is quite steep). At first glance the hostel looked rather run down and we were a bit disappointed. Soon Giovanni gave us our keys and told us what the rules of the hostel where. We thought that was it, because every hostel we have stayed in was very unpersonable, but Giovanni asked if we would sit down so he could describe “his” city to us. We looked at him a bit odd, but he explained that Naples is a beautiful city with so much to offer and going into it with no direction would be a shame. Since we had no other plans we listened as he mapped out our entire vacation for us. Including where we should go, when we should go, and how to get there! To top it off Giovanni then asked if we were hungry and proceeded to make us lunch, pasta of course. He was one of the most generous men I have ever met. Day one was filled with tours, attractions, and the best pizza I have ever had! It was a little restaurant called Sorbillo’s Pizza. The wait was around 1.5 hours, but boy was it worth it! The crust was thin and soft, the herbs strong, and the sauce was silky smooth. I couldn’t believe what I was eating! That night ended early because we had a long next few days.

            The next 3 days I will condense into this last portion, I believe that the first day influenced our experience so much that the details were necessary. The second day was spent on a little island 40 minutes off the coast of Naples called Procida, Italy. This Island is the most underrated, hidden gem in all of Italy, and possibly Europe! The island is not a tourist trap, but the locals love to have tourists come and experience what they have to offer. They have kept the Island completely original, and want to keep it that way. The buildings are painted in multi color and along a hilly island that is very small. Just looking at it it looks like a painter had a lot of fun creating a work of art. Our initial view of the city was by the harbor, but once we climbed to the highest peak on the island I was at a loss for words to describe the view. 

The view of the city was epic because it was so imperfectly perfect. The buildings were built many years ago, and since then modern architecture is rare, and only allowed if it is built the same way it was done years ago. I wish I could explain this magnificent sight in more detail, but this is one of those things you have to see to believe.

            For lunch we heard of a local pizza place, and thought we could compare it to Sorbillo’s; however, it was closed. Not to be defeated by our disappointment we decided to go to a couple local markets and pick up food for a picnic on the beach. The beach was nothing special, in fact it was dirty and the sand was black. Not exactly the pristine white beaches seen in the movies. However, at the time it seemed like the most beautiful place. The beach was about 1 mile east of the city and like Venice we saw the whole town with a mountain background. That day was filled with great friends, and an amazing picnic of different cheeses, fruit, and local wine.

            The rest of our time on Naples was spent sight seeing. This city has so much to offer and it was probably the most difficult place to leave. The experiences I had were unforgettable; it only makes me want to visit again!