I have arrived in Naples

Well, I made it to Naples. It was a long two days of travel. I had to take the train to Patra from Athens which was really nice. I had window seats all the way and was helped by a kind lady, Yannam when I had to change trains. I made it to Patra with a few hours to spare and it was lovely to make it to the boat and get rid of my bag. I have never wanted to have my stuff stolen more than right now. And the crazy thing is I barely have anything with me!

So the ferry ride to Bari, Italy was 14 hours. I managed to sleep on the boat which was excellent considering I still had a day of travel ahead of me. When I arrived in Bari, I had intended to take the bus to the train station but couldn't find the stop. So I walked with a group of Americans and Australians for 45 minutes into the city. I was so relieved when I arrived! Then I found out that there was an earlier train to Taranto and a bus to Naples. That way I wouldn't have to wait in the train station. So I changed my plans (yet again) and took the scenic route to Naples. It was lovely to see the varying Italian landscape. I went through the fertile flat plains to the rolling mountains with olives everywhere. It was a long trip but i really enjoyed it.

For about half an hour I was terrified of going to Naples. All the comments that people made that warned me of travelling to Naples got to me and I started to re-think going. But those thoughts left as quickly as they came. I know that everything will be fine if I travel safe and am conscious of my actions and whereabouts.

So, I have arrived in Naples and it is great. I took the bus without any problems and found my hostel - Hostel of the Sun. It is such a bright, homey place with lots of people (and plenty of Canadians). After dropping my bags (which I still have - they weren't stolen!) I ventured out to the supermarket for some food. And for your information, I wasn't hassled at all. So I feel good about my first night in Naples. Now, I just need to find someone to go to Pompeii with and I will be set!

Oh, and more importantly, I have to have some pizza in Naples - it is supposedly the birthplace of Pizza!

So, I will let you know how things are going. Talk to you soon, Love, Lisa