|
|
|
Vedi Napoli e poi muori! - See Naples and die!
There is a saying in Italy that goes 'vedi Napoli e poi muori'. Translated, this means 'see Naples and die'. The actual meaning of this refers to being overwhelmed by what a beautiful and an incredible city Naples is. (although some may argue that what it really means that Naples is such a dangerous and chaotic city that it will kill you!)
Love it or hate it,
Naples really is a city and a half. It is full of life
and the life is full of passion. And yes, you True, Naples could be considered as chaotic, with cars and vespas racing around the city not paying attention to traffic lights -and in some cases, especially around the historical centre, there are no pavements, but long narrow roads in which to accommodate both traffic and people. It could also be considered as corrupt or dangerous by some, with gang warfare by the Camorra (Neapolitan Mafia) still operating here, and teenage street boys that mug people by snatching their bags while scooting past on vespas (Not to mention stories circulating such as a woman who went into a shop to buy some clothes, but never came out....when the police were alerted by her husband she was apparently found in the old city ruins underneath the shop being smuggled to god knows where......)
You just never know with Naples. That is the beauty and the magic of it. Beautiful churches, museums and architecture are to be found all around the city, many forgotten about, because there are just simply so many. The city is full of history, culture and art. I once brought a friend to Naples, and she said she could 'feel' the history. This was such a great statement, as you really can feel the history; there is just so much art and culture around. Most of the buildings in the centro storico are the original buildings and palazzi which date back to the 12th or 13th century, with very high ceilings and original paintwork. Most original palazzi that used to belong to Neapolitan Aristocracy or Royalty are now just family homes or bed and breakfasts. There is also an underground city in Naples, (you can go on an organised tour) and some Greek ruins to be seen in Port'Alba (an area in Naples incentro storico that used to be frequented by poets and students, and is still quite bohemian), which there are still stories of people using this network for smuggling.
Another contrast that is very apparent is the people themselves. Neapolitans are very passionate and expressive people, and can talk like there's no tomorrow. They talk with their hands a lot and quite often raise their voices, which can be mistaken for arguing-but once you get to know the people, you will realise that what seems like an argument, is usually just a 'discussion'! (about football, or how to cook a certain pasta dish). As Naples (and indeed in the rest of Italy as many other countries with warm weather) has an 'outdoor' culture, you will often see many people, teenagers and children just 'hanging around' or having a walk or passeggiata, talking about things. You might see people arguing one minute, and then people singing the next so don't be alarmed. To visit the Gambrinus website and learn about Oscar Wildes ghostly vision, and other info about this famous bar and restaurant visit their site www.caffegambrinus.com
Photo: Night time view over Naples from San Martino. Photo from flickr.comvideo compilation of Naples (with Neapolitan Music)
Cheap flights to Naples or hotels in Naples Naples, from travel journalist Rick Chapo's point of view...Italy – Naples and Sorrento Italy is really two countries in one with the wealthy, historic north dominating. To get a taste of the south, Naples and Sorrento are your destinations. Naples If ever there was a city with a reputation, it is Naples. Dirty, nasty, crime infested and fanatical are all words thrown around when describing. In this case, the descriptions are true and it is GREAT! The place is a madhouse and colorful beyond description. Crime is a problem, but you will be fine if you use common sense. Naples is all about "real." You will not get that odd touristy sensation you find in the cities to the north. Naples is about living now, now in the past. The people can be gruff, but are also a heck of lot more colorful than you will find elsewhere. If you get in trouble, just bring up the subject of football (soccer) and you’ll suddenly have friends for life. The best way to experience Naples is just to explore it. The action is on the street, not in museums. If you’re hankering for picture opportunities, the glass dome over the Galleria Umberto I is a good spot. You can also climb above the city to take scenic pictures of the coast and madness of Naples. If you are really pining for a tourist fix, Pompeii and the looming Mount Vesuvius are close by. Pompeii, of course, was buried in a Mount Vesuvius explosion, literally freezing everything in place. Ah, you already know the story. Sorrento If Naples overwhelms you, head around the bay to Sorrento. Sorrento is similar to Naples with one notable exception. It is all about the tourist and making them comfortable. Frankly, it is hard to see how Naples and Sorrento can co-exist, but they do. In Sorrento, you can stay at ancient resorts where service is the name of the game. The beaches aren’t so hot, but you can rent jet skis and such to invoke your inner tourist. Southern Italy often gets a bad rap as a rough place riddled with crime. To some extent it is true, but seeing Italy without the gloss of the north is worth it.
Some Naples links: Pictures courtesy of stock.xchang
|
Shop for Italian Books, Music, DVDs, and Videogames, with Italian Online Shop IBS.it
Angels & Demons Tour in Rome...book now! You've seen the film, now discover Angels & Demons for yourself!
Food from Greek Italy...Discover what the wonderful flavours of the Med have in common..more...
Follow Us! Weddings in Italy
Let us help to plan your perfect dream wedding in Italy...more.. Popular destinations in Italy Watch Italian TV Online! Everything from Rai Uno to Toto` TV...more...
|
may
have heard some negative things about Naples, but there
are so many more positive things about Naples, it would
be a shame to make a judgement without ever having
visited the place yourself.
Yes
there are some bad points, but there are considerably
many more good points than bad. The whole point of
Naples is that the 'good' and 'bad' contrast each other
to such an extreme it is breathtaking. The long, narrow,
dusty, cobbled roads that can be found, especially in
the historical centre (centro
storico) can be found filled with washing
hanging from balconies and washing lines, vespas
constantly beeping their horns and scooting around,
street urchins (or 'scugnizzi'
As
mentioned before, it is the contrast of things which can
sometimes be so amazing. For example shopping in the
market inVia dei Tribunali
|
|
|
ã Copyright 2005 www.ItalianShopsOnline.com & www.madaboutitaly.com All rights reserved. |