After locating the spot to meet the group, (was at the wrong church location, thankfully the police steered me right), I hopped on the Grayline, I love Rome Tour with the delightful Mara and Luigi. 

Italy certainly has some beautiful sunrises…

On the way to Pompeii we passed the Royal Palace of Caserta modeled after Versailles, (however, much larger), and a former residence of Italian royalty. It is the largest royal palace in the world, constructed in 1752, and known for its extensive gardens. It is open year round, except Tuesdays, and became a UNESCO site in 1997. The castle even appeared in a Star Wars episode.

Naples

The meaning of Naples is New City, and that it is. During WWII, 22,000 buildings were destroyed, and through Marshall Plan monies were received to rebuild the city. It currently is a wealthy manufacturing community of 1.5 million with its infrastructure built into centuries old Greek and Roman walls. During WWII the fiesty Naples people forced the German soldiers out of Naples. Elegant and beautiful apartments now rest akin to the ocean views.

Naples was always known as a great shipping arena with Greeks and Romans faring for its ports throughout the ages. Influences of their visits and tenure can be seen throughout the City. 

An Ancient Fort with much lore and fantasy attached to it.

A Monument to the WWII Soldiers next to the American Consulate.

And a few more relics of Naples architecture and we’ll close with another coastal scene.

Any guesses on what this is? Times up! The Naples Immigration Building..

Here’s the coastline once again..