My Lucky Day

Today I went to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale which I had skipped on the last visit and regretted. I bought an Arte Card which got me in free and a discount on the audio guide (which I didn't use very much). All the wonderful things I wanted to see were open today. I started with the the Villa dei Papiri rooms from Herculaneum and the exhibits from the Getty Museum since they were going to be closed in the afternoon. There were lots of guards in the rooms which was a good thing because the map they give you is useless. They were very friendly and helpful and were even willing to take photos of folks in front of various displays. There was no place that I couldn't take a photo.

I started with the sculptures.

The young boy in thought

I liked the "dreds"

The drunken satyr

One of the Getty vases

 From there I hit the Pompeii fresco rooms

Trojans dancing gleefully

"Sappo"

lion mosaic

Model of Pompeii

Even the model rooms have frescoes

mosaic column

Entrance to the Secret Cabinet erotic art room

Alexander the Great mosaic from the House of the Faun

At the end of 3 hours of wandering around with my small day pack, seen by several guards, one very officious woman came up to me and told me I'd have to go back and check my bag. Many women had purses larger than my bag but she was insistent. So I left without seeing most of the Farnese sculptures. That will be another day.

Wandered back to the hotel to regroup, grab an umbrella, and went out for lunch at another Vesi location. The streets of Old Naples were calling and so I headed off. Stopped in at the Capella Sansevero for a repeat visit. My ArteCare got me in with a discount. A large group was just leaving and I had the place to myself for several minutes. No photos here. Took a chocolate break at Scaturchino's in P. S. Domenico and headed in the general direction of "over there". Got as far as San Gregorio Armeno before the rain began to comedown heavier and forced me homeward bound. Spotted some Venetian mask shops that will perfect for my homework assignment for class when I return.


Day 1:
* no one was interested that I took out money from the ATM
* I was not run over by cars or Vespas on the sidewalks or in the streets
* I was able to cross streets without the help of nuns
* My purse and camera remained with me at all times
* All financial transactions were made honestly and I received correct change at all times
* I was not crushed by mounds of garbage

Okay Naples, I'll give you another chance tomorrow

PS. Formatting on this site is work in progress and things don't work the way I think they should. Sorry if things don't line up nicely. I'm still learning.

The Joy of Traveling

After flying Sardine Class to London, all I managed to do was sleep and eat and sleep. So much for London.

The flight to Naples was much nicer and I had a row to myself with no one in front of me trying to extend their space at the sake of my knees. I arrived after dark and it was my turn to find the one honest taxi driver in Naples. His estimated price to the hotel fell in line with the fixed rates posted on the commune website. So off we went right into mass traffic jams in the city.

 It was football night and Naples was playing Spain. If people weren't on their way to the stadium, they were hanging out at any bar or establishment with a TV. Some were walking home popping in and out of stores to catch the latest happening.

After checking into my hotel (Hotel Piazza Bellini), I wandered out to find dinner and ended up across from the Teatro Bellini, in a small pizza place (Vesi). The focus was on the game and I enjoyed watching the reactions of staff and customers. They had lots of coaching comments to give. There should be a way to make the games interactive with the fans.

I wish I had taken a photo of the pizza maker with his "Bastardo" shirt.

Did make note of the neatly emptied garbage cans.

London, Naples, Sicily

Once again I have one foot out the door and am headed back to my favorite place, Italy.

Packing went surprisingly smoothly so I know I've forgotten something.  I can put my hands on the critical items so it can't be too bad if  items are missing. My wonderful neighbors have again taken the hit of watching over my place so I can travel. I hope Buddy the Cat figures out that I'm not home for his extra meals.

Weather was great, nice and sunny so the flight to SFO went quickly and on time. Delta checked my bag through to the Virgin Atlantic flight. Now I just have to make sure it made the connection. I allowed extra time just in case.

London will be a quick overnight before the real trip begins. I'm looking forward to giving Naples more time. I have a big list of things to see. After 5 days, I'll be joining Jeannette, Les, and Kathie (TA internet friends) for several days in Siracusa, Sicily. The magic of Sicily calls again.