Silence

I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.

I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape ill health.

I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.

All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them.

My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.*

My father-in-law has just passed and I will be traveling for the funeral so please excuse this brief pause of silence.



*Thich Nhat Hanh, The Plum Village Chanting Book

Must see in Napoli

Can you believe I spent $3.75 on a bottle of tomato sauce from Naples? The same passata rustica that I would buy for .70 Euro for in Naples. What's worse is that I found myself sniffing the bottle -not to see if it went bad but to smell the wonderful smell of a real sunshine tomato. I miss the tomatoes badly. I bought some here and was very disappointed. I've been frequenting the farmers market too -yes, I'm that weird lady sniffing every batch of tomatoes and none compare.

So, I was thinking about the other things that I miss from Naples and the surrounding area. Things that an ordinary tourist might not see and so I've compiled a little list for you from an insiders perspective.

1. For the best marble statues the Museo Cappella Sansevero. Here you'll find the famous veiled Christ. You must walk slowly counter clockwise and you can see the veil appear to move (as in breathing) --spooky. It is a small space with lots of great marble works and in the basement is a special surprise. The neighborhood it is in really neat and well worth an entire day. You'll find goldsmiths, important churches, a really great printer (who makes paper and journals), creches, pizzeries, antique stores and just normal life in the big city.
2. Capodimonte Museum and Park (the park is free and wonderfully kept). In the museum there is a very fine collection of Italian Art (centuries worth up to present day) and also a Warhol of Vesuvius that is pretty far out. Oh, and the pizzeria across the street is really good and a fair price.
   
3. The best chocolate in Italy Dolce Idea
   
4. For the best shoes and leather goods at ROCK BOTTOM prices -the Poggioreale Market on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Real Italian stuff with the brand names.
5. The best flowers are at the Capodichino Airport (well a block away toward the cemetery). You can buy 30 large stems of Stargazer Lilies for 10-15 Euro. Orchids -they practically give them away.
6. Most romantic spot for dinner -the cave restaurant in Posillipo. Imagine a Batman like cave that has been totally carved out by hand. The way the central dinning area is illuminated by candle light is soo wonderful. Did I mention they have a really good wine selection?
7. Relaxing at the thermal spas on the island of Ischia. The best one is up for debate and I won't go into that (unless you really want me to). Just being on the island is really nice.

Ok, that's all for now... Little Man is awake...