If you’ve ever wondered about Italian washing machines, you’ve come to the right place! I’m not certain if they’re all this size, but mine is relatively small. As I explored the various cycles, some take HOURS! I don’t have time for that! It’s “Rapido” for me every time! The time of a wash cycle, twenty minutes total! My kind of wash!
I love my outdoor wash center!
You have to release the little wash area after you open the lid.
The size of the wash load.
And talk about recycling! We have pickup EVERY weekday, different items designated per day.
I asked a couple of my coworkers (one Italian and one American who’s been in Italy a couple of years) where to find the best produce in Monte di Procida. Long story short, neither of them live in this area, but one said, just stop at a place, there are so many. I said, I can’t do that. I’m a planner and I have to make sure there’s parking and they have everything I need. So yesterday, I began my research and this morning, I Google mapped my way there! Enjoy some random photos I took (because I can’t help myself!).
Have you EVER seen such huge peppers?
And these are quite large too (whatever they are)!
I only took a picture although I could have tried every one!
Nutella!
The final purchase!
I love these carrots with the stems!
Lunch time!
This next picture I saw when I was researching online. I did see some in the store, but I walked by as fast as I could, while looking the other way! I like new experiences, but there’s just NO WAY on earth I’m eating that!!!!
As progress is FINALLY being made on my move from this hotel (can you say PRAISE GOD!) to my beautiful home in Monte di Procida, I made the decision to drive to work this morning for the very first time. Prior to today I had not driven on the highway in Italy ever. Not once! Not at all!
Due to the inability to go anywhere because of the Coronavirus lockdown, having the opportunity to ride a shuttle bus to and from work, AND not having a car, it worked out perfectly. But when I move (possibly in a little over a week), I’ll be driving approximately 35-45 minutes each way, every day.
I was told to use Google maps and to place my phone where I could see it easily (and hear the narrated directions), which worked out perfectly due to the phone case I purchased prior to leaving the states and a little indention on my dashboard. So you would think I was in for a wonderful experience.
Well, if you’ve ever been to Italy and seen the traffic, not to mention the numerous signs crammed on one post, the exits without numbers, and then add the many “roundabouts,” you may be prepared for the details of my morning commute. If not, let me summarize to say that my estimated 17 minute drive to work took me an hour and a half (not to mention unnecessary tolls due to Google maps rerouting!)
When I finally got to work, the parking garage turned out to be a bit tricky too. Perhaps the extended drive actually saved my life, as I easily could have been hit driving in the wrong direction!
Due to the fact I was too busy driving my car with a clutch to take pictures, I thought I would post some pictures of Naples roadways I located online to give you a feel for what I’m talking about.
Finally, add the NUMEROUS drivers who drove their cars inside my trunk (and I honestly wasn’t driving slow!). I’m praying and believing next week will be better! Stay tuned!
Saturday morning, May 23, 2020, my friend Mell picked me up from the hotel and we headed to the Naples International Airport to catch The Naples Alibus Airport Shuttle. I heard the parking in Naples was expensive and individuals opt to take the shuttle to the Naples Central Train Station and catch the Metro into Naples instead. When we arrived at the airport, Mell was concerned as there is usually a long line to catch the shuttle. However, there wasn’t a sole in sight.
The Alibus Stop
The deserted Airport
Where the Taxis usually line up – although there were NONE in sight!
The Naples International Airport
It wasn’t until we walked into the airport that we confirmed our suspicions. The Alibus wasn’t running due to the restrictions in place for air travel and apparently the taxis weren’t waiting for fares either. We were told the only way to catch a cab was to schedule a ride in advance. Due to Mell’s insistence I have the day of my dreams, and God’s intervention by providing a taxi (which Mell flagged down), we made it to the Train station!
The street we crossed!
The entrance to the Metro
This is where I can catch the “FAST” train to Rome! I can’t wait for that day too!
After our quick, limited, spin in the Train Station (due to areas being closed off), we headed across the street to the Metro. Crossing the street in itself was an experience!
I saved it, course!
These are not real people! They’re painted on a clear glass.
This is “Exit” in Italian
The Metro stops on Line 1
This Metro stop where we got off in Naples was (HOLY) Toledo!
As you walk, the water appears to be moving with you!
An art museum in the Metro Station
The lights change colors!
The Naples Central Train Station
The next stop – Naples, Italy!
Can you believe this?
Strolling down Via Toledo
We were starting to feel a bit hungry for lunch, so we ran across a GREAT deal we couldn’t resist! A Margherita pizza and an Italian beer for 5 Euro!
My FIRST Italian Pizza!
More of the stroll….
I was too full to eat any of these!
Or these…
Or these…
Or these…
I decided it would be easier to break up my two day adventure. It’s just too much marvelous to include in one post! Much more to come soon!
I am finishing up my time with my Father and preparing for my FIRST REAL DAY in Italy!
Beth Moore Believing God Bible study
I think Mell, my friend, said we were going to start our journey at Galleria Umberto I and take the train to some place? It’s so new to me and there are so many sites to see, I get confused. My son, Peter, would laugh if he heard me say that.
I can’t let all these awesome books go to waste. I have to conduct my research!
If I’m correct, I’ll be posting REAL, LIVE, PHOTOGRAPHS of this location! There’s so much to see in Naples alone, let alone Italy, or even Europe! Thank you for joining me on my AMAZING journey! I hope you enjoy it as much as I will!
Today the landlord met with the housing office and I will go over next week to review and sign the “pre-contract.”
You may or may not remember that the home was partially furnished, but the landlord agreed to furnish the entire home for me. When I saw these pictures I was OVERJOYED!
I can picture myself reading on that cozy couch for hours!
Aren’t these chairs gorgeous!
And the art work on the walls!
Look at that beautiful globe!
And an office for telework!
The furniture for the bedrooms is on order!
I can’t wait to move in and start enjoying my Italian blessings GALORE!
I am SO EXCITED!!!! The quarantine restrictions have been lifted throughout Italy to the point that we can travel freely within our region, as long as we wear our masks and keep the required distance from others.
If you follow my blog, you remember the wonderful woman I met at the laundry mat last weekend who wanted to hang out with me. She texted this morning and asked if I wanted to make plans for the weekend. I texted her back as quickly as I could and we have a date tomorrow morning! We are going to take the Alibus from the airport (so neither of us have to drive and find a parking place – which I understand isn’t easy to do) to somewhere in Naples (she has the plan). She will be my tour guide and she thinks I’ll enjoy myself. I’M SURE I WILL!!!! We are planning to get gelato and order a pizza at one of her favorite restaurants! I can’t wait!!!!! I never did order a pizza, so this will be my first!
THEN, on Sunday, one of my co-workers invited me to go with her family to the Amalfi Coast!! OH MY GOSH!!!!! I responded so quickly I thought my phone might catch on fire! I have been looking at pictures of the Amalfi Coast for so long and I can’t believe I will actually be there the day after tomorrow.
All I can say is if you like pictures, be sure to check back frequently! If I’m not too exhausted, I’ll post my pictures tomorrow night and Sunday’s pictures Sunday evening. If I’m too tired, you may see both Saturday and Sunday’s pictures on Sunday (or maybe not until Monday). BUT my new friend Mell and I may take another spin around Naples on Monday, so the pictures may have to wait! We have to see how we feel Monday morning!
LET MY JOURNEY BEGIN!!!!! I am so thankful and blessed!
I got a lot done today! Without going into all the boring details and the time it took to accomplish each step, I purchased a car, got the required Italian insurance coverage, got the car registered, and got the necessary Italian E-Z pass to drive to and from work. I’m ready to hit the highway, but honestly, I’m a little nervous. Think I’ll wait a little while!
So here’s a picture of my new whip (as Brooke would say).
It’s the adorable Blue car – 2nd from the right – VW Polo -diesel – stick shift!
I’m so happy I had a stick shift when I was younger because I would hate to have to learn to drive one on Italian roadways! My plan is to stay in the lane as far to the right as I can get. And if you get on my bumper, I’m not going faster. You’ll just have to go around me! Let the fun begin (in a week or two)!
On Sunday mornings, I wake up and immediately turn on the television in my hotel room. I am blessed to watch Pastor’s from the United States who’s programs air on the Military channel in Naples. I’ve seen Pastor Charles Stanley, Pastor Greg Laurie, and a few others I’ve not seen before but truly enjoyed.
After a few minutes, I jump in the shower and afterwards prepare for laundry day. After struggling with a laundry basket the first week or two, it dawned on me that I could keep all my laundry supplies in the pockets of one of my suitcases and roll my laundry down to the laundry mat, which is so much easier!
After I put my laundry in the big washers, I head over to the Chapel to commune with God for about 30 minutes.
When I return, I throw my clothes in the dryer and head to the mini-NEX to grab some essentials I need. When I returned to my laundry today, my clothes were dry.
The miracle of the day took place while I was folding clothes. A nice lady and I got to chatting and it turns out she’s in Naples by herself and she’s the same age as me! She asked if I wanted to exchange telephone numbers and hang out when our world returns to normal. She’s been in Naples two years and has enjoyed several of the trips coordinated by the MWR and USO and has requested a two year extension.
I’m so excited to have a pal to hang out with. God never ceases to amaze me! I hope to introduce you to Mell in the near future! Stay tuned!
Blessings Galore in Naples Italy 