"Vedi Napoli e poi muori" See Naples and die - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
I can definitely see what Von Goethe was getting at when he wrote his 1817 book 'Italianische Reise' although I have to wonder what he would make of today's modern version of Naples!
I have to admit that Naples wasn't high on our list of 'must see' destinations. We booked on a whim and just decided that our love of Pizza was more than enough to justify a visit. You're instantly hit with just how fast paced Naples is before even leaving the airport. The shouts of taxi drivers hollering over the sounds of car horns becomes a sound that your ears just adjust to in a scarily short space of time. A short ride later and you're in the beating heart of Naples. Cars, cars, cars. As far as the eye can see, cars. The traffic flows like an angry river, just about staying inside its banks but swollen to capacity as it races downstream. Crossing roads is akin to extreme sport and requires mountains of courage! Not at all a place for the faint of heart. But again, you quickly adjust and by the end of day one you're an absolute pro at crossing the roads of Naples.
If I had to use one word to sum up Naples, I think I'd use gritty. Naples is a hard place surrounded by buildings that have seen better days and cars that look like they're fresh off the banger race track pretty much everywhere you look. But underneath that grit lies a city of passion, life, color and exuberant energy. Naples never seemed to switch off and was always buzzing with life from the moment the sun came spilling through the enormously high windows of our hotel room. Each morning we'd head for our coffee and Sfogliatella and the cafes would be full of locals chatting away, in their unique flamboyant Napoli tone. There's also history to be found in every corner of every street and you are never more than a short train ride away from incredible ancient wonders such as the lost city of Pompeii.
Now for the best part, the food. Naples is renowned for its food and I can promise you dear reader that it did not disappoint. From super fresh Pizza Margherita (the best you will find on the planet) to the incredible spaghetti and pastries. Naples is an absolute must-visit for foodies and those looking to experience true, authentic dining. The tourist traps stick out like a sore thumb and and are easily avoided leaving you to explore and enjoy meals that are cooked and served to perfection.
Naples is definitely a destination to be sampled if only once in a lifetime, and boy are we glad we did!
