Naples Shmaples.

So Naples was quite the experience. First off, the main reason we even wanted to go to Naples was because of the beach- the lower half of my body has been albino for two long- so we decided to take a night before Florence and do some tanning. We arrived, again knowing nothing about the city or its inhabitants. Silly us, we should have done our stupid research. Upon arriving, whilst in line for train tickets for the next day, we start visiting with a couple from America. The first thing they say? Get out of Naples. Oh, good! We later find out that Naples is the number one spot for sex trafficking in Italy- now isn't that endearing. We eventually leave to find our hostel, bid the harbingers of doom goodbye, and walk into the streets fully fresh and paranoid. Now we have been in Italy for a while, and I thought Rome was bad. Ha! Comical. Naples was a whole new kind of nasty. In Rome, there is literally shit on the roads, everywhere. Evidenty cleaning up your dogs fecal matter is not required here- LAZY LAZY LAZY STUPID PEOPLE! But really, as long as you watched where you were going all you got was the oh so pleasant aroma. But Naples? It's the people. The men. Disgusting, rude, crass, pathetic creatures. Not to mention the garbage, but in Italy, I expect things to be dirty (this makes me sad to say). It really is a shame when one of the most historically incredible countries creates such a negative reputation for itself. What's worse is that people don't seem to have pride in where they live, their cities, and the government doesn't seem to care either. There is no attention paid to the beauty of their cities, which is tragic because they have some of the most amazing buildings and ruins. In that respect, I am very disappointed. And Naples was not only not an exception, but one of the most shining examples of this tragedy.
After leaving the train station we make our way to our hostel, which is located down a dirty busy street and some random stairs. It gives you the impression that you're entering the Netherworlds- but luckily the actual hostel is quite nice. We decide to make our way down to the beach (a series of white rocks against the water), and instead decide to go to Capri island. So we board the ferry. Capri island is one of the only redeeming qualities that has gone along with Naples. I believe it is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, and has the bluest and clearest water. So incredibly pleased with Capri, after the disgusting feeling one acquires from just being in Naples. We spend the day pleasantly, tanning and swimming in the ocean, wandering around the town and just enjoying the beauty of our surroundings. Anyone who knows me knows I love swimming and the ocean- I was so content, so thrilled to be relaxing and doing something I enjoy so much. A lovely day in a gorgeous place. Sadly, I received quite possibly the worst sun burn I have ever gotten. Stupid pale skin! Robyn got a burn as well, though not nearly as badly. I am in copious amounts of pain. Oh well! It was worth it.
Upon arriving back in Naples we decide to go and eat, so, naturally, we go for pizza (of which Naples is famous for). We ask around and find the best spot- not overly well known or fancy, but actually the most amazing pizza I have ever had in my life. The three of us each ordered one dish, a Marguerita pizza, another one with prosciutto, and a calzone. You never realize how amazing this food is until you go to the place where it originated from, the dough especially being the most amazing component. Everything was handmade, nothing packaged and set aside- we even saw them making the pizza, throwing and kneading the dough. It was incredible! So we split up each of our dishes into thirds and had one of the best meals we have had in Italy. This pizza was the only other redeeming quality In Naples. C'est la vie!
Thus far, I have been quite disappointed in Italy. I have, surprisingly, had some of the worst food I've eaten here, which is quite contrary to what everyone says. I'm sorry to say this, because I have been excited for so long to go to Italy, and have created an expectation for the country. I have so far been slightly disappointed. There have been some wonderful experiences in Italy- but on the whole, I was wanting more. Maybe (hopefully!) Florence will change my mind!
While we were having pizza in Naples we struck up a fellow tourist from Australia. I love Australians. Always so much fun and so welcoming. I find out an interesting piece of information, about an undergraduate education in medicine that does not necessitate a pre-med degree. I am not quite sure how this works, but if I have the ability to go into medicine without having to take courses that do not relate to my profession, I would do it. I find taking four years of courses that are completely unrelated, and then taking another four that actually matter, to be an indication of a massively flawed system. I may possibly, after receiving my degree, apply to both law and this medical school. And, even better, the medical school is obviously in Australia. Yes! So I have been thinking quite heavily on these matters, as I usually do.
We are currently on the train on our way to Florence. Please, please I hope Florence changes my mind about Italy. I am very excited to spend my days relaxing, reading, and tanning my back (which did not get any sun in Capri). That is, when I can actually lay on my stomach without rolling away in pain. Come on Florence! I need some good food and kind people!
On my last note, people in Italy seem to treat tourists horribly. It's kind of ironic, seeing as how tourism plays quite a significant role in the Italian economy- such a shame. Also, I don't think there is much concept for volume control or personal space. The people are obnoxiously loud and inappropriately comfortable with being in my bubble. Maybe that's just me being a maniac- but I despise it. Oi.
Anyhow, off to Florence! I really hope the people behind me on this train placate their demon child- it is trying my nerves.
Ciao.
-Jess

P.S.- I recognize that I am generalizing and should actually be using quantifying terms such as 'some', etc. Not everyone in Italy is bad, I'm sure. So just assume, as a reader, that this  is implied. There, I've redeemed myself.