Naples, Italy April 24, 2022

 After another enjoyable and recuperating sea day we arrive in Naples,  greeted with pleasant sunny weather, though we do not arrive until 12, so a rather short port call.  

Naples is known for its pizza, supposedly first created here, though I did not find it that exiting, the pizza that is.  On previous visits to Naples I had visited Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius so I opted to take the scenic tour of Naples.  I sent Margit on the excursion to Pompeii, which she found truly amazing. 

The scenic city tour was to have been 3 1/2 hours ended up to be only 2 hours, with only two photo stops. Somewhat disappointing as you have limited view from the bus.  The guide did tell us of the various grand  official buildings surrounding the Piazza del Plebiscito, a grand sweeping public square,  and our coastal drive to Mergellina, a residential area was quite impressive with its sweeping views of the gulf and city of Naples.  A brief stop along the waterfront allowed me to take in the local flavor of enjoying a drink and pizza.  It was a holiday weekend and although our guide told us that most are home watching a ball-game that started at 3, there were masses of people everywhere.  Apparently it was the first nice spring day and it brought everyone out.  There is only one park about 4 city blocks long and one city block wide, part of the city’s  Aquarium.  Although the city has an extensive coast line, there are no beaches.  To provide some play space for children, part of the waterfront was turned into a “concrete” park for kids and pedestrian area for  adults to enjoy the outdoors.  It was in full use as we passed the area.  

All in all I come away with a rather indifferent impression or desire to visit this city, though it is touted to be one of the most visited cities in Italy especially by other Europeans.  



Mount Vesuvius behind the clouds 


Arrival at the port of Naples,  the clouds lifted shortly after out arrival. 

Some of the sights we saw at our scenic bus drive through parts of Naples. 

Just about all the roundabouts have a nicely landscaped middle usually further adorned with a statue

One of the any narrow side streets.  

One of several forts in Naples.




Another Statue

Masses of people in the Square,  where are they all going to….


A rather pretty roundabout and statue of a mermaid.  Unfortunately only saw it from the rear.
One of vista views on our scenic drive

Another view on our scenic drive.  Homes clinging to the hillside with wonderful gulf views.  

Mount Vesuvius without its usual cloud cover. 

More examples of just masses of people 

The “concrete” children park and pedestrian zone along the rocky waterfront.  


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