Rome via Brooklyn

(They both start with C, give me a break.)

290 words, 2 minute read time.

Naples was one of the top things I’ve been looking forward to on this trip! The second we stepped out of the train station, I felt more at-home than ever before. Loud vehicles, humidity, cigarette smoke, and even louder people. The dilapidated buildings and dirty streets were a great familiar addition. Walking around the city felt like I was being transported back to being nine years old, running around parts of Istanbul that no human should ever inhabit. I had a stupid smile on my face the whole time, it all just made me miss home even more.

I thoroughly enjoyed lunch, I can now finally say I’ve had authentic Neapolitan pizza! I don’t think I’ve ever had that much sodium at once, though (my pizza had olives and anchovies, perfectly briny enough for me). And after the espresso at the end of the meal, it’s a miracle my heart is still beating.

The museum was very intimidating; mostly due to its size, of course, but the size of the statues left me in awe. I’ve never seen so many statues this big, the ones at the Met don’t hold a candle to them. The general ambiance of the museum was also a great touch, the lighting really did the statues justice. My favorite was definitely the one of Dionysus and Eros, my two favorite figures of Ancient Greek religion!

And speaking of celebrities, I can’t believe I was able to meet the mascot of my Latin textbook!

Pompeii felt like a much more peaceful, chill place, a very intense juxtaposition from the chaos of Naples. A perfect place to relax after an incredibly busy day.

–Nico Vila