Sunday
4th October
Napoli
Travelling
on the Italian rail system is certainly interesting. We booked our
ticket from Florence to Naples a few days ago and thought nothing of
it. On checking the ticket this morning we found that it was for
Roma Central not Napoli Central. Confirming with the ticket lady, we
did in fact have the correct ticket – it's written for the first
stop, no the destination that you are going to - make any sense???
Then on board there was the usual ruckus with double bookings and
people sitting in other's seats. Mind you, the first class carriage
is filled with US, Australian and English tourists (we're keeping a
low profile), not an Italian to be found.
Checked
into the hotel and then immediately caught a taxi to the port to
catch a high speed catamaran ferry to the Isle of Capri.
Unfortunately we had too little time here, not being able to take a
trip to the Blue Grotto. But we did catch the funicular to the town
of Capri -a myriad of small, enclosed alley ways that led to ever
more outstanding panoramas. We kept heading higher and higher and
passing more and more elaborate villas. We can see why Emperor
Tiberius chose this place for a little holiday shack. So too
Bellosconi.
The
guide books say that Naples is the dirtiest of cities – well it's
true!! We couldn't believe the crap on the streets, literally ...
it's like no one has cleaned the streets in the past four years. Mind
you, the people are friendly and welcoming. This evening headed into
boy-town. We didn't really know the exact location but Jim's nose for
a gay site finally got us there successfully. Lots of friendly boys
who were very excited to hear that we were from Australia. Jim
outdid himself by slipping down the stairs – suddenly surrounded by
boys offering help to pick him up – pathetic how he has to be the
centre of attention :) Fortunately Nic was otherwise occupied and not
there to witness the spectacle or to assist!
