New Year's Eve, last days in Naples

And so the sun sets on our last couple of days in Naples.

We spend our time wandering the streets, soaking up the city - it really is glorious - spend as much time as we can down at the waterfront. It's these days that we've come to love, freedom to roam balanced with days filled with the "must-see" sights. It's been part of the design of this trip all along, the slow travel element  - stay in one place long enough to get to know the town or city. We could be rushing all over the place, but that's not the point of this. For example, we could've spent scads of money taking the ferry to the Isle of Capri for the day, below. But knowing us, once there, we'd prefer to stay. So, already, another trip is fomenting!

In the midst of this, we prepare ourselves for New Year's Eve, and you can feel the pulse of the celebration to come growing every day, and Naples does not disappoint! Rivalling China with their fireworks history, the hub of Italian New Year's celebrations takes place here in the Bay. Explosions go on for 2 days in the gritty streets, pre-teen boys ruling the land with the help of their older brothers, uncles, fathers, moms!, rattling your bones, watching above and below, beside, behind and in front as we walk. 

Once darkness descends, neighbourhoods begin competing with one another for the greatest display, the loudest boom. At midnight, the Bay of Naples explodes, and by 2 am, the waterfront castle who's foundations date from the 6th century BC, begin the crowning glory. The crowds are enormous! You'll 
hear Marc exclaim, "the city's on fire!" 

Hundreds of Chinese lanterns are lit and sent soaring towards Mount Vesuvius, out into the Bay, which we did, so many of you flashing across our hearts as our lantern began its ascent. Grateful and blessed. Spectacular night, and we drag ourselves into bed at 3 am, now THAT hasn't happened in years. Carpe Diem!

The city is quiet for two days, a collective energy hangover. Of course,mother 12 year old boys are up and out by noon, setting off their remaining fireworks to awaken the city. There is garbage everywhere, apparently another Napolese tradition is throwing something symbolic out the window to ensure a clean start to the year!

Along the boardwalk of the Bay of Naples, closed to motor traffic, you can rent these 2-8 person bikes. Every time we're down here, so many families are laughing, moving, enjoying their time together. There is never anyone NOT smiling in these things, so we rent one! The closest thing to a sporting activity that we do together so far on this trip. Yay!

We head to the far side of the Bay, where Marc has done some morning runs, where he's seen the active side of a fishing port in action. By the time we arrive in late afternoon, the fishermen and their catch are gone, boats are packed up, and many dogs are aboard, standing guard. It's beautiful nonetheless, a variety of wealth and boat uses berthed in this marina.

For Sophie!, a tall ship has been in and out of the Bay all week. And passing by the very chic Naples Yacht Club, sailboat racers, pace motorboats and good ole Vesuvius give us a glorious view on a very windy day.

The Vesuvius crater, and one of many cruise ships docking in another section of the port.

Fisher boats, and promenading, a favourite Napolese past-time.

Crazy streets, and we loved every minute of winding through them, homages to entertainers decorate one street, while the Spanish quarter flies it's tricolour.

The Riazza de Plebiscito, the People's Square, steps from our apartment. All week crews were setting up the New Year's Eve stage where musicians played until midnight. Everyone then streamed to the waterfront, thousands and thousands and thousands of people. We LOVE Naples.