(In this blog entry, I am going to use both Naples and Napoli interchangeably)

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In Italian, the word vespa means ‘wasp’.

In Naples, the Vespa rules the roads; motor-wasps darting around and causing people to jump out of the way in alarm, warned by the ever-present revving and droning in the air.

Seconds after leaving our apartment for the first time on the main road of Corso Umberto I in the Centro Storico of Napoli, a Vespa crashed into the back of a car, halting traffic, which allowed us to cross the chaotic road but resulted in both drivers having to swap details. We took this as an early warning to be extra-mindful when crossing the roads in Naples.

The constant buzz and rush of traffic and honking horns is the soundtrack to Napoli, and while it means that wearing earplugs at night is vital for a decent night’s sleep, it also mingles with laughter, jovial sing-song by workers, the ding of a bell to signify a pizza is ready, shouts of “attenzione” or “Forza Napoli!” adding to a general sense of hilarity, zest for life and rolling with the unpredictability in the best-humoured way.

Continue reading “Forza Napoli! Two Memorable Days in Naples, the Capital of Campania, Italy” →