(eng) M.S.Tour 2011 - Day 10: Napoli

Just woke up in the simple but comfortable camping on the coast of Latina we came up with an idea: finish in one stroke our Mediterranean Summer Tour. So we were expecting a long day, marked by the visit of the beautiful Naples and from there straight up to our final stop in Sicily, Catania.
A nice breakfast was just what we wanted to have in this last day and the tiredness accumulated during this long journey. So running towards Campania, leading to the side of the beautiful sea shores and once again with a beautiful sun. And as we went down in the south Italy we noted that the roads became more impetuous :).
At the entrance of Naples with a stunning backdrop that we saw the beauty of the sea and the impetuosity of the volcano Vesuvius, one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, not forgetting what he was capable back in 79 AD destroying the ancient city of Pompeii and Herculaneum, reducing everything to dust and killing many people.
We therefore expect an adventure in the middle of the 'famous' city traffic in Naples, where the rules are often an option. Thank goodness Olga, at the helm, took it easy and fun...  


Among the various narrow streets, the variety of clothes hanging from a building to another, countless mopeds that cut the road and of course lots of people walking between the cars we were lucky to meet a parking right in the center, very close to Via Toledo. Here is the Spanish neighborhood, with the name of his streets recalls the important occupation by the Bourbons here in Naples and throughout southern Italy, forming the Kingdom of Two Sicilies in the eighteenth century.

After passing through Piazza Dante Alighieri, having met so many stray dogs and becoming acquainted with the atmosphere of the city, one of our first thoughts and plans before tackling the trip was obviously to try the famous Neapolitan pizza! Therefore, searching for a pizza! Walking through the streets we found a small but nice restaurant, ‘’Nu Murzill' Sapurito’’. We were so excited, as if for the first time in our lives we ate pizza, and the feeling was truly unique! Authentic Neapolitan pizza!
From that moment we were really ready to discover Naples in the short time that remained. Not far from the restaurant we visited the Piazza del Plebiscite, characterized by the presence of the Royal Palace (former residence of the Bourbons and the current National Library), the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and a beautiful view behind everything.



Next to the square we visited the historic Galleria Umberto I, built in the late nineteenth century with a commercial background .So many shops (closed since it was Sunday), beautiful architecture, beautiful mosaics and a dome are part of this landmark building.


After buying some memorabilia like pasta with different flavors and souvenirs, we passed through the imposing Castel Nuovo, or Angevin, the medieval fortress, residence Anjou before and then Bourbons.

The rest of the afternoon was used to discover the secrets of the ancient city districts, walking through the famous 'Spaccanapoli', Greek origins, who represents one of the main and animated arteries of the city. Despite was Sunday we were lucky to meet one of the many workshops that are part of this part of Naples. Here there are the famous works and creations of Christmas nativity scene open all year, plus all other items as tambourines, spices, food and more.

Immersed in the suburbs citizens randomly we met a guy who, noticing our attitudes of tourists, asked us if we had already visited the 'Napoli Underground'. We did not even know about this place and what it was. Curious, then we went towards the entrance of the place. Soon we were informed that there would be a guided tour of the dungeons of Naples caves. We read something about in the flyers and asking what it was really, and we learned that the origins of these ancient caves date back to about 5000 years ago, then remodeled by the Greek and Roman populations. Then used as old aqueducts and canals, during the last World War were used as shelters against the bombs.
So we went with another group of people and a guide who accompanied us throughout the visit. Immersed among caves we met very strange things, like some remnants of war, water, ancient stones, Neapolitan civilian shelters as well as German and many other curious things, like a small museum of old military uniforms and local crafts.



After this little out program we decide to say goodbye to beautiful Naples, and we did it from a high point of the city, near the Castel Sant 'Elmo, where we could admire a fabulous view of the city just after sunset.
And with this view we finished the last leg of our tour. But before we expect about 540 km to the ferry to Sicily. It must be said that the motorway Salerno-Reggio Calabria deserves its reputation negatively. Certainly the way in which we felt more fear throughout the tour, and especially across it at night! Arrived near the harbor after about 7 hours in a way, we met in an Autogrill tourists making their way as we do in Sicily, who informed us of a recent eruption of Mount Etna ... how nice to feel next to home (... Stefano. ..)!
We finally took the ferry in the southernmost region of Italy in the early hours of the morning.


The second volcano was visible across the same day, near Catania. Our tired bodies, our rich minds. The satisfaction of our first real adventure trip. And our faces, and so fatigued with the weight of 10-day tour that have not been recognized by the father of Stefano, in disbelief of what his eyes saw when our two cars crossed, dropping the cigarette in his pants, almost burning! Of course as him, nobody known about our adventure , that we decide to keep it secret and make a surprise ...
But now shared with you readers, hoping that with our simple stories and adventures you currently carry a bit of wind of beautiful emotions that leave you breathless ...