So today we got up super early so we could swing by the Vatican before we got the train to Naples. We didnt really sleep much anyway because it was disgustingly hot last night so up around 5 am showered and packed and out the door by 6 30. We were at the very beginning of the line for the Vatican and waited for 2 hours to be let in at 9am. This gave us at least 2 hours which was good but we only took about 1 and a half.
Some on the ceilings were really amazing and obviously it was surreal being in the Sistine Chapel however I didnt find the whole experience as awesome as I thought it would be. I literally expected to be completely blown away the entire time but I found myself feeling that I had been in the presence of much more outstanding art before but I guess its just one of those things you have to see. There was some Salvador Dali paintings in there too that we didnt know were there?
We had no hassles getting the train to Naples other than the fact that the train ride was really uncomfortable, the seats sucked but at least we got some. Other people had to stand the entire time! When we arrived we were a little scared in the cab ride to our hostel cause they drive like maniacs here! Vespas everywhere and our taxi driver side swiped one of them. The streets are ridiculously narrow. It really is amazing how different this place is to Rome, its like being in a completely different country. The whole city looks so dodgy and seedy but beautiful at the same time.
We are staying at a really great hostel. It is basically this guy named Giovannis house and when we got out the cab trying to find the place he was looking out the window calling my name ha ha. He had two cups of fresh water waiting for us when we climbed the ginormous stairs, the house he is in is really really old. There were two Canadian girls sitting at reception and we found out that when they arrived he said "Holly should be arriving soon so we will wait till she gets here before we start" and he was able to pick that I was Holly when we arrived, spooky. He sat us down and talked about the city etc for about an hour. Telling us how Naples used to be the capital etc and gave us some really interesting information about the place. He marked all the Mafia areas etc and pointed out all the good places to go. We will be making a day trip to Pompeii and Capri as well as a few other places he showed us pictures of that look amazing. I really think we are going to enjoy our stay here and I think I will simply put that down to being in a hostel where somebody is really friendly and passionate about the place he lives in and genuinely enjoys helping tourists to make the most of the place.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
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It sounds like this guy will be make your stay in Naples a bit special, nothing like local knowledge when your time is limited. We seem to be at opposite ends of the thermometer at the moment, it is rediculously cold here at the moment, I even went out yesterday and bought Bodi a coat!! As usual, stay safe and look after each other xxxxx
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