Napoli orientation

Welcome to Napoli. The interesting thing about Italy, and especially southern part, if you drive in any direction for one hour you can experience something different. For centuries, Italy was made up of independent autonomous regions each with it's own government, culture, politics, and way of life. Even though Italy was unified in 1861, many of these cultural influences remain in each region. Therefore, to many Italians there is a big difference between a person from Napoli and someone from Rome, Florence, or Milan. In my opinion, this is what makes Italy one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Unlike the United States, where big box restaurants rule, you can sample a huge variety of different foods, wines, and cultural events. For example, Napoli is well known for it's pizza. However, if you drive one hour outside of Napoli the pizza will be different and after you live here for a while you will notice the difference!! 


     In addition to pizza Napoli is also famous in Italy for it's coffee. Drinking coffee is a way of life and the most common way to take a break. However, the coffee in Naples and Italy is not like anything in the States--you won't find starbucks here! The coffee is usually served as a small shot because it is very strong. Often it is served to you while standing at the bar and if you want to sit many places will charge you more. I drink about three coffee's a day at work. Usually a cappuccino and cornetto pastry--which is a cream, marmalade, or chocolate filled crossiant--in the morning and two small Espresso's throughout the day with co-workers. These coffee breaks are a great way to break up the day and provide camaraderie within my work place. If you like coffee, you're going to be changed forever when you come to Naples. If you don't drink coffee, you may soon start!!