Italy > Eating pizza in Naples

The taxi van arrives just before half past nine. The driver helps load the suitcases. The eight of us set off for Schiphol Airport. Earlier this morning, there had been a major accident on the way to Schiphol, causing a kilometers-long traffic jam. Fortunately, the highway is now open again. It’s still busy on the road, but the traffic jam is over. We are already checked in and only have carry-on luggage, which allows us to go straight through to customs. The flight to Naples departs from the M pier. We order coffee from one of the nearby shops. When we reach the gate, we discover we are not the first passengers. That’s fine in itself, but our suitcases can no longer be taken as carry-on. They are tagged and sent to the hold. Shortly after, the EasyJet plane takes off. The weather is beautiful. Below us, we see Hoofddorp, Almere, and the Gooi passing by. We fly southward. The snow-capped peaks of the Alps are clearly visible, the white tips standing out beautifully against the landscape. Around half past two, the plane begins its descent. We have arrived in Naples. From the airport, a shuttle bus runs every twenty minutes. A taxi driver offers to drive our group to the city center for the same price, dropping us off at the hotel. This sounds more convenient. Along the way, the driver points out the city. “The old quarter is on the left,” he says. Further along, he points out the university and Naples’ most famous pizzeria. At the Bed & Breakfast on Via Medina, we get out.

Italy - The flight with EasyJet to Naples

Through a small door in the entrance gate, we enter a courtyard. An antique lift takes us to the third floor, operating with a ten-cent coin. The reception is located on the third floor. We are welcomed with coffee. The rooms are fine, and the B&B is right in the city center—a great location. From the hotel, we walk into the city. The streets are busy. Cars honk and scooters weave through the waiting traffic. People are returning from work. We head to the old quarter, behind the university. The narrow streets look old and dilapidated. Graffiti is everywhere. This part of the city does not look appealing. On the main road, we find a terrace and order our first beer. The sun has disappeared behind the buildings, and it immediately feels cooler. We continue walking through the old city, looking for a cozy restaurant. Travel has made us quite hungry. Italians are used to eating later in the evening, so some restaurants are still closed. In the streets we now walk, there is more life, and the shops are more tourist-oriented. We settle in a pizzeria—Naples and pizza naturally go together. After dinner, we end the evening with a walk through the city. Young people gather in the squares; some drink at terraces, while others enjoy their own drinks next to a statue. Through Castel Nuovo, we reach the sea—the Gulf of Naples. The marina lies quietly in the dark. After a final drink at a café, we go to bed at eleven o’clock.