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06/26/2004: "Sorrento - June 24"

What a day...so many extremes!



We bagan the day by heading to the internet cafe that Flash recommended. We were able to hook up our laptop and upload some photos (see gallery section). Then we left Rome, sweet, Rome, onto Naples, then Sorrento.

First we took the Eurostar to Napoli (Naples) - an 8 Euro supplement on top of the normal ticket. As soon as we got to the train station in Naples, we could tell that it was different than Rome. When we got off the Metro en route to our first touristy distination we could REALLY tell. Rome was very busy and hectic, but Naples was insane!! There were vehicles everywhere, driving erratically, trash all over the place, lovely smells (not) on every corner, and the buildings could use a bit of help...

First we went to the Duomo...beautiful, but closed...darn, I was really looking forward to seeing the vials of San Genarro's blood . Then we went to the Museo Archelogico Nazionale, supposedly one of the most important museums in Italy. It houses many artifacts and works from Pompeii anbd Herculaneum, including the "Secret Cabinet," a collection of erotic works, which were an embarassment to many of the Bourbons - they were very interesting - you,ll have to ask us what was included in the collection. Finally we went to the Capella Sansevero, and got lost in a not-so-good neighborehood along the way. I was pretty stressed, but Mike was able to maintain control over the situation and find the Chapel. Inside we saw the results of some of Raimondo,s gruesome experiemnts on human bodies (in crypt), and "The Dead Christ," the Chapel's main masterpiece.

FINALLY we left Naples...thank goodness!...and headed towards Sorrento on the Circumvesuvio train. As soon as we stepped off the train, the calmness of the town set in. Our hotel picked us up at the train station and took us up the hill. The place was gorgeous when we reached it...THANKS AGAIN, Flash and Mel! The hotel is lovely, with all the ammenities, at an incredible price. We have an awesome view of the Bay of Naples from our balcony (we'll post pictures). We have our own bathroom...yay! and a tv, we are watching world cup soccer...Portugal vs. England...in Italian.