Naples

5th April 2024

Missed Buses, Pizza Regrets & a Dinner That Saved the Day

We woke up to the sound of waves and the sight of the sea shimmering outside our window—one last magical moment in Minori before heading back to Naples. I tried calling Di and Paras, but the Wi-Fi was weak. Still, the view made up for it.

At the bus stop, we were so taken by the scenery that we started clicking photos and almost missed our bus. We ran and caught it just in time. The driver, however, wasn’t thrilled. He didn’t let us store our heavy bags in the luggage compartment and seemed oddly annoyed—especially when he asked for our tickets but didn’t check anyone else’s.

Inside, the bus was crowded. We tried placing our bags on the overhead rack, but one fell off. Thankfully, a kind stranger helped us out. Then came another mistake—we got off at Vietri Sul Mare, forgetting the station was closed. After climbing endless stairs with our luggage, we found the station locked and had to catch another packed bus to Salerno.

We assumed it would drop us at the same stop as before, but we stayed on too long and ended up 3 km away from the station. Exhausted, we dragged ourselves back and finally caught the train to Naples.

Naples greeted us with chaos—crowded streets, unclean roads, and a neighborhood filled with street vendors and noise. Our apartment was decent, but the area didn’t feel like Europe at all. It felt like a slice of India, with a mix of South Asian communities and a general sense of disorder.

We were too drained to go on our planned walking tour, so we decided to do the one thing we came to Naples for: try the famous Eat Pray Love pizza. We waited in a long queue with empty stomachs, but when we finally got our turn… it was a letdown. After all the hype and hassle, it just didn’t live up to expectations.

Disappointed, we wandered through the local market, bought some Amalfi lemon candies, and picked up glue to fix a broken hinge. We also needed drinking water—tap water wasn’t an option, and bottled water at the hotel was overpriced. So we geared up again and stepped out in search of a store.

The streets were chaotic. People ignored traffic lights, vendors lined the sidewalks, and the vibe was far from the romantic Italy we’d imagined. We walked toward the university area, which felt a bit safer and more organized.

With low expectations, we headed to dinner early—and to our surprise, it was amazing. The pasta, the dessert, the ambiance—it was the one redeeming moment of the day. We finally felt like we were in Italy again.

On the way back, a kid on a bike sped past us, uncomfortably close. It felt like a snatch attempt, and we instinctively paused and gave him space. Later, we read that this is a common tactic in Naples—people drive close to steal bags or phones. Thankfully, nothing happened.

We made it back safely, packed our bags, and went to bed early. Our bus the next morning was at 6 AM, and we were more than ready to leave Naples behind.

Must-Visit Places in Naples

If you ever find yourself in Naples, here are some incredible spots to explore:

• Pompeii: Explore the ruins of this ancient city.
• Naples National Archaeological Museum: See artifacts from Pompeii.
• Castel dell’Ovo: Visit this seaside castle.
• Mount Vesuvius: Hike up this active volcano.
• Spaccanapoli: Walk down this historic street.
• Royal Palace of Naples: Tour this historic palace.
• Sansevero Chapel: Admire the Baroque art.
• Galleria Umberto I: Shop in this beautiful gallery.