Day 379 – EU – Italy [Rest Day in Naples]

18/04/21

 Rest day in Naples (Italy, Europe)

A very busy, noisy, bustling city, colourful and filled with treasures – but not for everyone!

Narrow street of Naples

Naples is the third most populous Italian city after Milan and Roma, both cities I have visited on my journey. But what a contrast Naples represents. I am starting to really understand that Italy is truly split in two, northern and southern. The dynamics are truly different, the culture, the atmosphere, the cities, what you see, hear, smell… Naples is a city of narrow alleys, clothes hanging on balconies everywhere, people calling each other from across the streets. It’s noisy, dirty, smelly, crowded… yet there is something also beautiful about it.

Piazza Dante, Naples

I set out early in the morning on a walk across the historical centre. Passing by the numerous churches, the beautiful piazzas, the Duomo. I was stunned how crowded everything was. The piazza Dante especially was buzzing with acitivity. Most people would wear their masks below the chin, useless. The region was in the italian “red zone” until recently, it’s just got upgraded to “orange” last week… but one wonders how this is sustainable. Anyway.

Duomo di Napoli

Since all stores were open, I also stopped by the local Decathlon. I got new tyres for BoB the stroller. Last time I got new tyres was in Dubrovnik last summer, my brother brought them to me on his visit – and the tyres barely had 5,000kms in them. We are now at 13,000kms it was time to get new shoes!

Naples is also the italian city with the most “Michelin Stars” restaurants. A great culinary tradition of course. I would have preferred to be able to sit down at a restaurant. I still managed to get a slice of pizza, the famous napolitean pizza (and it was delicious!) as well as amazing tiramisu and profiteroles. Great classics, best eaten in the country they were born in! My feelings about Naples is ambiguous… I am looking forward to get to Pompei tomorrow for my last stage in southwest Italy.