Pompeii and Circumstance

Rainy morning but find a taxi to the railway station, the legendary haunt of gypsies, thieves, pickpockets and all sorts of lowlife. Somehow we manage to escape without being robbed and/or knifed. We meet our guide "Ricky" Ricardo who guides us expertly around the highlights and the low lifes of Pompeii. Spoiler alert: it doesn't look anything like the movie.

Then back to town where we are fortunate enough to be entertained on the train by a local gypsy band.
Pizza

and gelato for lunch, then back to our digs for siesta time.
In the evening we go out to the Umbero restaurant for a very typical meal.

Find a Casa Infante gelato bar where I can indulge in my new favourite flavour, Pistachio and orange peel.

Exploring Naples or how would you like a pizza me?

Our docent for the day,the exquisitely named Fiorella Squilante, meets us at our apartment and takes us on our day tour of the highlights of Naples. We learn about coffee culture at the Gambrinus Cafe-always drink a glass of water first but NEVER afterwards.

Then onwards to various churches and convents

and most importantly The Gay Odin chocolate shop for the pistachio and chocolate gelato experience-Fiorella tells us this is a mystical experience-she proves to be correct.

We lunch with pizza of course. What makes the Neapolitan pizza unique is the thin base which is soggy not cripsy, unlike Roman pizzas.

After lunch we visit a buried part of the city

and the archeological museum.

Taking animal husbandry just a little bit too far

We stop for beers and the obligatory gelato on the way home. Tonight we watch the movie "Pompeii" in anticipation of tomorrow's visit.Spoiler alert:the volcano wins.

I can see your Naples through your shirt

Up bright and early and by taxi to the ferry wharf(5 minute trip 25 Euros!). Drag suitcases on board and then 30 minute trip to Naples. Everybody tells us that Naples is very dangerous so we hire some security to look after us.

We are met by Allesandra at apartment with spectacular views.

Wander down street to stock up on vital ingredients and then for a haircut.

Walk into town and partake of the best gelato of my life(Casa Infanta)

and then to small trattoria for lunch.
In the evening we walk halfway across town to prebooked restaurant for a humungous meal

The Starters(sic)

and very typical Neapolitan songs.