Naples had been one city I missed each time I visited Italy, but now I am here! Naples is the third largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan. I flew from Catania to Naples, in 65 minutes, and stayed in Naples historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So much to see in just a few days!

I had a good flight from Catania and hired a taxi for a ride to my B&B. The driver is from Naples and knew towns I mentioned, associated with my grandfather, south of Naples.

At the B&B, I got my keys and unpacked. I always remember rooms being small, yet comfortable. When with a tour they often have you stay at hotels where rooms more often cater to Americans wanting a larger space. This B&B is very nice, on a 4th floor, with the typical small elevator … and slow moving… for all in the building.

I walked to Sansevero Chapel to get an entry ticket for 3 days from now, wandered through a variety of busy streets where plenty of take-out food is available! Of course I wanted pizza! My taxi driver told me Pizzeria da Michele was the place to go. I saw it was a Michelin winner a few years so I joined the take-out line which soon grew very long! Fortunately I arrived early enough but still had a 1.25 hour wait to get my pizza. I walked 10 minutes back to my B&B and enjoyed my Margherita pizza! The pizza is so simple: sauce, cheese, oil, basil.

Temperature in Naples compared to Sicily is about the same, but for me the humidity in all of Italy is what I feel. There is no dry heat here like in Arizona so any humidity I feel, especially as I am by so much sea water! The air quality here is not as good as in Sicily. No doubt, breezes push air constantly across the island and coastlines, whereas inland not so much. Interesting look at this air quality map for Italy.

Time to settle in for a good night’s sleep. I do not hear much noise. Walking everywhere is a nice change from the tour, yet I really enjoyed the OAT ( Overseas Adventure Travel) tour of Sicily. Remember though, wear comfortable walking shoes as the stone roads in the city can be hard on one’s feet!

Buona notte!