Naples

« I don't really know why I love you? You drown me in relentless rain down to puddles in bottles, ever so gloomy, you simply make me buy a ton of junk and clumsily shovel pizza after pizza, forever losing me on the streets and showing me heaps of all sorts of nonsense in souvenir shops, not to mention these strolls through tiny shops with religious trinkets. You know how I feel about all this nonsense! And what about those shady glasses? Are they expensive or just as tacky as bomb shelters, and the walls, they've already got their paint job!

And I do adore wandering around and bumping into everyone, as best as I can, and again dealing with junk and eternal "cash only" payments, taking strolls that nearly resemble whole packs of cigarettes with women of a certain age clinging to a carton of smokes... But it's worth it for me to take a plunge into your described in the morning vibe and feel a little bit more at ease. Still haven't gotten to the peace yet, first I have to pay at the register, and then I casually ask for a coffee and I'll again have your nuances.

Thanks, Neapolitan, you wonderful sandwicher, you truly do make my day))) What should I write on the glass - your versions? »

« It was time to write something. A small anecdote. A couple of days ago, it was my birthday. And here, not far from me, is the very successful volcano Vesuvius. I, as you can guess, live in a place where 2,000 years ago there was the ancient town of Herculanum. The residents there tragically perished due to the catastrophic eruption in 79 AD.

I thought it would be a unique idea to hike up the volcano on my birthday, especially since it reaches a height of 4,200 feet. A bus ride to the 3,280-foot mark costs about $22, but I decided that hiking up would be much more rewarding (and indeed, it was not challenging at all). On my way up, I accidentally ran into a national park where I had to climb over a barrier to leave it.

At the 3,280-foot elevation, there are ticket booths – a ticket to enter the crater costs around $11. However, on the day I was there, there was such a strong wind that the volcano was closed! And it really felt that strong and cold that I didn’t bother to look for a sheltered spot to sneak in. I didn’t peer into the crater, just didn’t.

And then I just wandered around Naples. It’s just stunning. Very lively, messy, old, incredibly colorful in some places, and unbelievably ugly in others. Everyone says it's dangerous there, but I didn’t encounter anything of the sort, even though I was wandering through the "notorious" areas at night once.

I devoured a pizza, made in a traditional wood-fired oven — it was amazing. »

« Not a single filter can convey how beautiful the night is. 😍🌃

Despite the early departure, we decided to stroll through the evening in Naples and grab a bite somewhere local. In the square, the youth of “party central” gather at every corner, around bars and restaurants, in parks, and just on the waterfront. 👬👫👭

I was left with a strong impression and a sense of sleek motion: in this city, I could probably drive a car even now. The rules there seem almost non-existent! 😱 Cars come and go in a chaotic dance, like they operate under their own laws, with two vehicles sometimes managing to squeeze side by side on a single lane. 😂 It's essential to stop at traffic lights as local folks (immigrants) casually suggest cleaning your windshield or selling you something. I haven’t encountered this in Naples yet. ✋🏻

And then there was this encounter that blew my mind: “When God created Naples, He must have been in a good mood because it’s undeniably beautiful and ideal.” Locals seem to take this for granted. 😔 Trash is everywhere; I haven't seen a bin, honestly, anywhere... 😢 I felt a bit overwhelmed by the heat. 👌🏻🏽 Neapolitans love to cook and enjoy snacking. 😂 (After spending two days there, I realized I’m starting to settle in.)

P.S. If you look closely, you might see Vesuvio. 🌋 »

« Naples — the most disappointing place I've ever visited. Dirty streets. Many attractions surrounded by neglected areas. A sea of tourists. Absolutely unwelcoming, where you’d rather keep an eye on your belongings than enjoy the beautiful views. I wandered around aimlessly, and even managed to leave earlier than planned, which is not something I normally do. The experience left a mark on me for life. »

« Is it worth going there? Definitely, yes! If you love Margaritas, spaghetti, limoncello, wine, the Margherita pizza, and the sea, then this place is for you! Is it dangerous here? No, as long as you’re not bothering anyone. But do keep an eye on your belongings, as there are many tourists around. We got a cab from the area where I was staying, which is close to where the local Mafia operates - you can feel the vibe. Even out of curiosity, we kept watching how they interact with each other, trying to understand the conversation.

Moving on, Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano in Europe, where you can see the breathtaking views endlessly. Are the views beautiful? Yes! It’s amazing to notice how the surroundings have been shaped over the years. The atmosphere is unique, with low-spirited men and women in peculiar attire showcasing vibrant colors that could be mistaken for a different world! And for museum lovers, architecture, and history, you could get lost in all the marvels around! Close to Capri, Sorrento is definitely a place to return to again and again! 🙏❤️☀️🐍 »

« Today we strolled through Naples, visited the great museums of Europe, had a picnic on the grass like we were homeless^^, and of course, we saw the sea! »

« Naples can be hated, or you can go crazy exploring it. The one thing you can't do here is remain indifferent. This city flips any preconceived notions about life's patterns upside down. Just as angry housewives pour buckets of water from their windows onto the heads of noisy boys setting off firecrackers in the dirty, dark alleys, this city brings a waterfall of emotions upon you, even when you feel you have no energy left for feelings. »

« Here comes Naples with its stony waterfront and its first fortress. The city is known for its criminal clans and organized crime. One of the great prides of the Neapolitans is pizza, which was invented right in this southern city. It is home to the oldest pizzeria in the country, operating since 1830. Overall, my impressions of the city are quite mixed—it's dirty, gray, and there's a feeling that it isn't well-maintained, which is surprising for the third-largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan. »

« Naples stirs up strong emotions and doesn't leave anyone indifferent – feelings range from adoration to revulsion. Those who have visited tend to fall into two camps: "The most authentic city in Italy" or "Never again." I’ve experienced both sides – right after stepping out of the train station, I hesitated to pull out my phone and wondered what I was doing there. But on Spaccanapoli, I couldn’t help but gaze around in awe. And when I climbed to the top of the Vomero hill to the Castel Sant’Elmo, I fell head over heels. The European Bangkok, a city of contrasts, it's vibrant, authentic, and incredibly diverse.
P.S. That's Vesuvius, by the way! 🌋✨ »