Pass the Pasta

Just about to leave Napoli (Naples) to Rome by train. I love Italy and all the frantic energy the people and culture seem to have. The ferry ride was pleasant from Duressi, Albania and when I woke up, I was in Bari, Italy and could tell I was in another country. I have been trying to practice some the hand motion communication used here and the women really dress well and walk around with a sassy, confident swagger.

Bari was a clean city port but Napoli has a feel of vibrant energy among its narrow cobbled stone pedestran walkways with overhanging laundry, dimlit coves and piazzas, and scooters buzzing in and out (even along pedestrain only walkways or sidewalks). Despite the garbage, edgy and shaddy feel of the city and poor reputation for petty theft, I loved the city. Unfortunately, the Japanese guy I was travelling got his camera damaged after a scooter attempted to take it from him and knocked him down instead. You really have to watch yourself in this city.

Napoli has a harbour and history, and close to Pompei which was a lot bigger than I had thought with several acres of old building and courtyards, and ancient roadways. You can also view the deceased citizens of Pompei encased in ash fallen from the nearby Mt Vesuvio. Napoli also probably has the best pizza I have ever tasted. A simple margarita of tomato, olive oil, cheese and basil on thin pizza fresh from the oven from a pizzaria from the 1870s is just heaven. Simple, pure and tasty.

The Italians are going crazy over World Cup. Last night we had to walk for about two hours as the metro and bus were not running as the Italian celebrated by waving the flags in their scooters and cars, groups of overjoyed fans yelling in the streets, pipe bombs occasionaly going off, fireworks and flares lit, and impromto dancing. Crazy mayhem as the streets were still packed with cars and scotters were honking and people out when we slept at 2:00 a.m.

Off to get a gelato....