One of the things I really wanted to try was the Frecciarossa fast train from Rome to Naples, and in a sense we did try it. When we arrived at the station I noticed that there were a lot of delays up to 60 minutes and increasing. That being said our train was not showing any. We were due to leave at 4 PM and our train was on the board, but no track no delay. At 3:55 they put up a track and we make a mad dash. As I tried to scan the ticket the gate attendant said don’t stop…go. So we get on and leave about 4:15 only to arrive 2 hours late at 7:15
But at least we were on the train. We were met at the station by the best driver in Campania Gianfranco Padovano from Salerno Car Service ( more about him in a later post ) and our guide Vincenzo D’Onofrio. We were brought to to our home for the next 6 days Spaccanapoli Home Short Lets. We were met by our hosts Cristina and Marco and found the flat to be clean and tidy with welcome gifts and a bottle of wine. The flat is located in the historic district and walking distance to the Duomo and the State Archives of Naples. Right outside there are many shops and restaurants.
The flat had everything you needed, including a washing machine. We went out for coffee every morning, but don’t expect it before 7:30. I went to the same shop every morning with great cappuccino and espresso and very fresh pastry.
Walking through the alleys was really cool, like going back hundreds of years, well except for the motor bikes winding there way through the streets. Travel hint: Don’t try to dodge them, let them maneuver around you.
Because we got in so late, dinner was pushed back until 8 PM. We were set up to go to a quaint little place, Tandem Ragu on via Paladino, just a short walk from the restaurant. As it turned out, things got very confused and it took almost an hour to straighten out. Once everything was set the food was super and kept coming. Because of the confusion the management was very gracious and sent us Champagne to make up for the problem with the set menu. Our waiter Usman was delightful and excellent. And the food was awesome. So we ended a very long day with a late train and a late dinner.
Day three is a great day with a walking tour of Naples, visit to the Duomo and a fantastic lunch with cousins! Stay tuned.
