Napoli There and Back Again

There are old romantic songs recited in the name of Napoli, a coastal city south of Rome. This was a bustling tourists haven some 40 years ago. A getaway from the hectic pace of Rome to the coastal paradise of Pompeii, Amalfi and Capri. The Neapolitanos are a bit notorious, but they are so deeply entrenched in Italian culture and history that it is nearly inseparable, even though Neapolitanos would think otherwise.

If you were to step into Napoli today, you wouldn't recognize it from its stories. The tourism is gone from the heart of the city. Its people struggle with the recession that hit much of Europe. Abandoned construction, and an aging infrastructure are the sights. Its corrupt and inefficient politics leave no outlet or solution, even though it remains one of the wealthiest cities in Europe.

Sanitation workers and the cities civic servants have largely abandoned its maintenance. Every inch of the central city is tagged with graffiti. Monuments and statues that once marked its rising influence are left disfigured.

However, its behind this thick veil of daunting city that its beautiful history is revealed. Travel to Pompeii to see the well preserved remnants of this ancient roman city.

Travel the coast and islands to find Procida, Ischida, and Capri.

Or you can head away from the city center to find its ancient underpinnings.

Those daring enough can find a trove of culture, history, landmarks and sights. Take in a pizza. Just keep an open mind.