Torre Annunziata, Italy

I was sad to pack up the car today. It has been such a thrill staying at Podere Loliondo and exploring Orvieto and the surrounding area. However, the boys have requested seeing Pompeii so today we are heading off to Torre Annunziata, where we have an Airbnb for the next 2 nights.

Our drive takes us down the A1 all the way to Naples. It’s about 330 kilometers and we stop for once for gas and lunch just off the freeway. The freeways have been quite easy to drive, but it’s hard to get used to the tolls, as the A1 requires a ticket and then you pay when you get off. The Naples freeway requires payment at the beginning. It sounds easy, but I can’t read the Italian signs, so we just wing it.

When we get off the freeway, driving changes immediately. Shit just got crazy! The streets are really narrow and rules are non-existent, and people are in a hurry. Throw in even crazier Vespa riders, and I can’t believe we are going to survive the next 2 days.

I booked a place in Torre Annunziata as it was on the coast. I thought we’d be able to get a swim in maybe, and temperatures would be a little cooler. Wrong on both fronts. On the water yes, but a port town, so the beach is not very nice at all. And it’s hotter and more humid here than in Orvieto. Fortunately, we have a really nice place to stay. In the middle of town, this apartment has been recently renovated and, while minimalist, is very comfortable. There are 2 places for rent, and we have missed out on parking today so I drive off and look for a spot. Luckily, there is parking in Piazza Ernesto Cesaro, just around the corner. When I find a local, she kindly informs me I can stay there as long as I need, without charge.

It is late afternoon, but so hot, but we go for a quick look around town. We head to the water but it is not particularly nice, so we go looking for dinner instead. At 7pm most restaurants haven’t opened yet (as is the late-dining European way) so we end up settling for Masse Ristorante Pizzeria. We are seated outside, looking over the water, but there is no escaping the heat, and we just can’t get comfortable. That and we are the only people there, so every staff member is fawning over us to help. The meal wasn’t great, and in the end, we just headed back to the apartment to sleep of the night. We have a big day tomorrow, after a long drive today.