Whenever I picture Italy, I imagine myself strolling along the sparkling Bay of Naples. Towering mountains rise against a soft blue sky scattered with fluffy white clouds. The air is filled with the salty scent of the sea, mingling with the delicious aromas wafting from nearby restaurants. A gentle breeze plays with my hair as I watch white boats glide over the water, leaving bubbly trails in their wake. Above, an ancient castle fortress stands majestically on a hilltop, adding depth to the stunning landscape.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have traveled to Italy multiple times, and my passion for each region grows with every visit. Italy never fails to captivate me, drawing me deeper into its rich history, vibrant culture, stunning beauty, and warm-hearted people. The thought of returning is always on my mind.
While southern Italy may be less affluent than the north, to me, it embodies the true essence of Italy. It’s true that trains and buses can be slow and occasionally unreliable. However, immersing myself in the local culture often means embracing a little uncertainty. Who knows what adventures await when a bus shows up late? A leisurely train ride offers a chance to connect with locals and strike up conversations.
The people I have met in southern Italy have enriched my experience tremendously. A young woman and her son operated a small restaurant next to my hotel in Naples. The hotel manager kindly introduced us, and she treated us to a delightful meal of homemade dishes for just a couple of euros. We insisted on paying more, but she firmly refused. After our meal, she excitedly showed me her Facebook photos, leading to a lovely evening despite our language barriers.
During my time just north of Naples, I had the chance to speak with the educational director on the glass-bottom boat, Cymba. This boat takes visitors out to explore the shallow waters of Baia, revealing the submerged ruins of luxurious palaces and statues from ancient times. Upon arrival, I discovered no excursions were running that day due to murky waters, but she graciously took me aboard and spent an hour sharing the fascinating history of Baia’s ancient luxury resort.
After an inspiring morning exploring Naples, I enjoyed a delightful lunch at Pizzeria Da Michele. I shared a table with a young couple of attorneys, who encouraged me to order the Margherita pizza with extra cheese. Little did I know that pizza could be so delicious! As evident from our plates, very little was left. They were wonderful company, and now, I often request extra cheese on my pizza!
Three brothers who own De Paola Cameos in San Martino, a neighborhood in Naples, invited me in to see their craft. Warm and chatty, they allowed me to observe them as they diligently worked on exquisite pieces of mother-of-pearl, carving them into delicate cameos. While they initially hoped to sell me a cameo, I relished the cultural experience that deepened my appreciation for life in the south.
I adore the evening ‘passeggiata’, or walk, along the waterfront in Naples. This delightful tradition is common in towns across Italy, where families, friends, lovers, and locals of all ages enjoy leisurely strolls together, mingling with the vibrant crowd. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and full of life, marking the transition from the hustle and bustle of the day to a more relaxed pace as mealtime approaches, typically after 7:30 PM.
Where else can you find yourself among a lively Sunday crowd, passionately cheering for water polo teams? The energy of the splashes and fast-paced action is exhilarating, and I felt welcomed into the enthusiastic group as we all rallied together.
The vibrant shops and street markets are plentiful and colorful.
The bustling street markets offer a treasure trove of goods at astonishingly low prices, where I eagerly fill my bag with fresh fruits and vegetables. I enjoy mastering the art of bargaining!
The vibrant morning street scene from my hotel balcony in Naples.
I am eager to return to southern Italy and dive deeper into the culture that I have come to love. This time, I look forward to exploring the ancient regions of Calabria, Basilicata, Puglia, and the often-overlooked Molise, all of which have rich stories dating back to their early origins. I yearn for genuine, authentic travel, connecting with real people who have been living their traditions for centuries.
