We met Italy today

Old locks on an old doors still in use

We arrived in Napoli (apparently Naples is a town outside Napoli) after a rather fast train ride. Will Aus ever get a decent distance train service. This thing left the station in Rome and was up to speed within 15 minutes. No buggering about through suburban lines and stations.

We were given great advice from Eisabetta the owner of the apartment. "Go here for Gelato"- we did & discovered a new favourite Ricotta and Pear (better let the gelatomassi boys know) . "Do the under Naples tour". Fantastic! highlight of the visited sites so far. 2000yr a go the greeks (well the slaves) carved out an underwater reservoir beneath the city, over a hundred kilometers long. The stone been volcanic was quite soft and permeable. The Greeks sealed the walls to waterproof them. Houses and public squares had wells to access the water. The water came from 2 redirected streams. It was used until a Cholera outbreak in the late 1800's. The water was drained and the tunnels used as bomb shelters during WW2. The guide was great funny and knowledgeable. He took a shine to Max who was suitably impressed.

 "You must have Pizza here" - As we walked down the main road it is obvious we are in Promenade hour. The Italians do it with style and confidence. Buskers with a difference as a gentleman and his accompanist belted out a song with all the drama of Opera - fantastic. Round a corner down the lane and we here music step into a 1000yr old courtyard and there is some sort of contemporary dance exhibition taking place. Each young (late teens) dancer performed for  1:30 minutes. Unbelievable dance in an unbelievable setting. Get to the Pizza place and the line is long. Bugger.
Doesn't matter as Napoli were playing a home soccer (whoops football) game and all the outdoor eateries had big screens set up outside.  The waiter took 5 minutes to uncork our wine as he watched a tense bit of play. Napoli won! Head for home after what has been the day to beat for the holiday. I think we met Italy today and became quick friends.

Love sick?