Naples, Italy

Naples, Italy -- March 6, 2015

Back to Naples. This time we plan on just exploring the city itself, on our own. Walking around the city at our own pace, without any particular set schedule would make this an easy port day.

The view of Naples through the big windows of the cruise terminal (Stazione Marittima) as we walked out at around 9:00AM. 

Tourist Information gateway at the parking lot.

The Castel Nuovo is right across from the terminal as we walked out.

We followed the ramp next to the castle to get up to the Galleria.

The statue on top of the castle. Could this be King Alfonso V of Aragon? 

It looked like they were doing major construction work there so we just skipped and did not attempt to go inside.

Across the street from the castle is the 100-year old Galleria Humberto. Unfortunately, most stores were not opened yet at this early hour.

This galleria reminded me of the one in Milan.

While we were in the Galleria I got a little disoriented and confused of the directions.

We made the wrong exit and lost sight of the street we wanted--Via Toledo. Instead we walked into the Spanish Quarters.

I have read that it's OK to be in this area during the day, but I didn't feel we should stay here for long.

On the other hand, ChC wanted to explore more in this area. After walking a couple of blocks in the neighborhood, we walked back to the main street.

Sculpture on the wall of one of the buildings on Via Toledo.

Colorful flags on the Spanish Quarter side of Via Toledo.

Via Toledo, a very busy street that goes a little uphill.

We then walked over to Maddaloni to the beautiful Gesu Nuovo.

Inside Gesu Nuovo

A statue of the doctor Giuseppe Moscati was on one side of the Cathedral.

A couple of steps down on the right side of the church, there is a museum dedicated to the doctor who is well-respected by locals.

A little side chapel at the museum.

The doctor's office

Piazza Gezu Nuovo

The Gothic style monastery church Santa Chiara is just a few steps away.

It has a very different feel from the Gesu Nuovo, not as decorated but still beautiful in its own way.

The Queen of the Two Sicilies was buried here.

Entrance to Capella Sansevere

Then we walked a couple of streets up and found the Capella Sansevere to check out the marble sculptures including the veiled Christ. It cost 7 E pp to go in and I must say that I did not enjoy our visits there. They were very straight about no photography inside the museum and watched over each person's every move like prison guards. It was just a very small museum, a chapel like place for the sculptures. In fact the employees who worked there were very rude and yelled at people for whatever reasons. Every time they yelled, I'd to look up and asked "What now?" It's a shame that they do not understand the word 'respect'. The sculptures are amazingly beautiful but I am not sure if it is worth it to received that kind of treatment to be there.

On the wall outside the museum.

Walking back to "Spaccanapoli" we just enjoyed finding interesting sights in the neighborhood. Here are some 'private shrines' along the way.

a side street

a butcher shop

Stumbled upon this cafe and these 'lobster tails' looked so tempting so we got a couple to try. 

Oh, they were wonderful! A nice treat for 1.4E.

We made a turn near Colletta and found the famous "Pizzeria da Michele" before 12:00. It was not crowded and we got a corner table right away.

The open-kitchen.

A marinara pizza for MOR.

Two margaritas for us. I am not a pizza person, and I won't eat pizzas unless I really have to. 

These are good pizzas, especially the crust! I finished mine and that says a lot.

By the time we finished, this was what it looked like outside...

Then we followed Corso Umberto back to the port area.

Scenes along the way.

Piazza Bovio

Piazza del Plebiscito right next to the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace was under some reconstruction and we did not attempt getting in so not sure if they were open or not.

The Royal Palace as we walked toward the seaside promenade.

the promenade

We just followed via Colombo back to the cruise terminal.

Passing the castle one more time.

The very nice cruise terminal.

As we were going through security, the young female NCL crew member behind us said her iphone 5 was stolen from her purse while in port.

Back in our cabin.

After packing up our bags we went to Grand Pacific to enjoy our last dinner on board the Jade.

Chefs parade in the main dining room that evening.

We had Joycelyn one last time and we bid farewell to her. She was like family during our 21 days on board the Jade. Thank you, Joycelyn, for telling ChC how lucky he was to be traveling with his family.

It's kind of sad that we came to the end of our cruises but the memories will be with us for a long, long time.