Rome via Brooklyn

DOUBLE POST

Joe, Moussa, and I woke up early to catch the bus to the terminal we had been to a couple of times before. We planned out the best time to wake up so we could still get as much sleep as possible. Once we were on the train to Naples, a young Italian girl sitting nearby started making silly faces at Moussa. It made all of us laug & soon, four rows of students joined in. We started helping her practice English, and she taught us a few Italian words in return. It was a random moment that brought a lot of joy to our ride and helped pass the time quickly.

When we arrived and started walking around Naples, I felt like the city reminded me the most of New York. The streets were full of people, the alleys were tight, vendors were always selling something, and cats were wandering freely. There was a lot of energy everywhere we went. What stood out was all the soccer pride and the pictures of Maradona on walls, signs, and shops. It felt like the whole city had love for him and looked up to him in a powerful way. It made me think about how athletes can leave a lasting impact far beyond just the game. I just wish the New York Knicks would win a championship so we can have murals around the city like in Naples. 

Later we got a nice view of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. That part was cool to see because it was not something we ever see in Brooklyn. There are no mountain views back home, so this felt special. Seeing it made me stop for a second and take in how different the world looks in other places. It was one of those views that makes you feel small, but in a good way. It reminds you how big the world is and how much there is still left to explore.

Eventually we reached our hotel. The weather was hot that day and Moussa and I were getting really hungry. After walking around with no clear direction, we finally found a small pizza place on a quiet street. There were no workers inside. Instead, a whole family was sitting just outside the door, talking and passing around cigarettes. One of the men stood up when he saw us, gave us a warm welcome, and came inside with us. He shook both of our hands and asked what we wanted to eat. He placed his cigarette to the side, went behind the counter, and started making our pizza.

In less than eight minutes, he handed us the best pizza Moussa and I had ever eaten. The crust was light and a little crispy, the cheese was just right, and the sauce tasted fresh. It was not fancy but it was perfect. The whole experience made the food taste even better. We were hungry, tired, and hot, and that pizza hit the spot. We looked at each other and both knew it would be a moment we would remember for a long time. I even took a picture of the place so I would not forget how it looked.

This trip to Naples gave me so many feelings all at once. I felt happy, tired, full of energy, and even a little homesick. But more than anything, I felt connected. I felt connected to the people we met, the places we saw, and even to Moussa. It made me realize how powerful simple things like food, conversation, and travel can be.