Put a compass to paper and trace a circle. Then tell me which other country has such a concentration of places like Amalfi, Naples, Ischia, Procida, Sorrento, Positano, Pompeii, and Capri.
Diego Della Valle, CEO of Tod's, 'the' Italian leather goods company
The finest objects from Pompeii are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Naples, so yesterday (Thursday) we took the ferry from Sorrento specifically to see these amazing artworks up close and personal. The shading and detailing of the wall paintings are extraordinary. Here Europa (Europe) is being carried to refuge in Egypt.
The second priority (if I wasn't an archaeologist, it would be the first priority), is to eat pizza where it originated. Gino Sorbillo's shop is the best of the best. We waited for 30 minutes outside for our name to be called. The crowd was composed mainly of Italians.
Inside the staff were hopping. The copper jug is full of delicious olive oil that is dribbled across the pizzas. We enjoyed tall beers while waiting.
And it was worth the wait. The patriotic green, white and red Margherita pizza was invented for the first queen of Italy when she visited Naples in 1889. We tried two other pizzas and concluded that Margherita reigns supreme.
Wandering along the street of makers of figurines for Nativity scenes (the Italian presepe), we purchased the Napolitan good luck charm, the red pepper. When paying, SIL noticed that the proprietor was photographed with Sophia Loren (over his left shoulder). Since this is as close to Sophia as I'll ever get, I had to take his photo.
Returning to Sorrento in time for sunset, we found a little cafe with seats looking across to Mount Vesuvius. I toasted Pompeii, Naples and the marvelous day with a Limoncello / Prosecco Spritz. A fitting end to our time in Italy's exquisite navel.
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