venice to naples

We made a friend on the way to the Venice train station, a very sweet elderly Venetian man who was waiting on a water taxi with us. He was so nice. You really do meet a ton of people when traveling, and many of them are willing to use the English they know to help you, find out more about you, and even make jokes. Speaking of jokes...we have taken some very goofy pictures this trip. I know you´ll appreciate them when I finally have a chance to download everything.

By the way. Italy is BEAUTIFUL! On the train to Naples it was a lovely, sunny day, and the long train ride gave us a chance to appreciate the countryside- hilly and green and snug.

Our hostel in Naples was full of fun college-age students like us. When we arrived at the hostel for the night, everyone staying there was lounging in the common room, watching the Simpsons. We joined them to chat and watch a hilarious card game. I met two girls from Canada, both named Gabrielle, and two guys from Germany, Arthur and Max. It has been so fun getting to know other students. Also, the common language for all of them is English. Arthur said that is one of the best parts of staying in a hostel- a chance to practice English.

Our first experience in Naples has been a little seedy, dark, and dirty (see metro) but it is too cool that it is right on the Mediterranean and old buildings gather next to palm trees, elegant buildings, and laundry out to dry. We did eat dinner at a delicious pizza place (it has hosted the Pope and Sophia Loren) where the pizza was inexpensive and bigger than our plates! YUM.