· Da Michele Pizzeria
- The only serve two kinds of pizza: Margherita and Marina. I opted for the Marina and although I was at first a bit skeptical about a pizza with no cheese it turned out to be an excellent choice. The pizza was thin but not soggy and the sauce was accented with fresh herbs and bits of garlic. I ate the entire thing and washed it down with a beer for only 7 euro. Best pizza I’ve tried in Italy, hands down. As previously mentioned the interior was modest but comfortable. The dough-throwing and wood firing oven was exposed for all customers to see so we watched as our pizza being made from start to finish making the experience feel even more special.
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| photo credit: cellartours.com |
· Hosteria Toledo
- Recommended by our Federico, this restaurant was on a side street off one of the main drags in Naples. The interior was dark, wood paneled and had a number of antique and interesting future pieces and elements that enhanced the authentic Italian atmosphere. Food style was that of a typical Hosteria. The main meals had little on the plate besides what it read on the menu but it was supplemented by the delicious contorni of grilled eggplant I also ordered. While we ate a street performer with a guitar came in and serenaded our table with classics such as “That’s Amore”—definitely heightened the Italian experience.
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| Ellen, Maggie, Gina and I at Da Michele |
Miscellaneous:
- The differences that rest between Northern and Southern Italy most definitely became apparent during my visit to Naples. I felt as though the lack on industrialization in comparison to the South came through everything from the demeanor of the people to street configurations. One of the most significant differences I noticed was the people. In general, I found they were kind and more willing to help and be hospitable.
· Pompeii
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| Exploring Pompeii with our new canine companion |
- Much larger than what I had originally anticipated. Pompeii expanded for what seemed like miles with narrow corridors as well as wide and sunlight streets.
- Wholly, I think of the gray of the stones that make up the walkways, walls, buildings, even the ash encasements of the poor individuals who were suffocated alive for the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, however this idea of all gray is disrupted with the foliage and vineyards that Pompeii still keeps intact even to this day.
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| Flowers used to celebrate Women's Day in Italy |
- In order to get to the base of Mt. Vesuvius we needed to take a train to small town on the coast. The town (which I didn’t even get the name of) felt truly authentic. Men of all ages were gathered in parks where they just seemed to sit and talk with one another for hours. Little kids ran up to us and commented on the colors of our hair—they seemed like they had never seen red or blonde hair before.
- When I think of mount Vesuvius I think of yellow. This is largely because while we were waiting for our bus to the summit of the volcano 3 young girls came up to us and gave us small flowers with yellow petals (which I found out were flowers that celebrate women’s day)
Before I left, multiple people warned by that Naples was dirty, unsafe and scary but I ultimately really enjoyed my experience there. While I was prudent after hearing these warnings, I found that the people were very warm and willing to help (not to mention they allowed you to speak Italian with them as opposed to many Romans who automatically switch to speaking English without giving you a chance to try and communicate.) Although the streets weren’t as clean or developed as what I’ve experienced in Northern parts of Italy they held a sort of authenticity and character that made me feel as though I was truly being immersed within a culture. I look forward to more trips along the Amalfi coast and exploring more areas of Southern Italy.