Currently living it up in ...

[alicat]

.... Naples.

A couple of weeks before Christmas I posted a thread containing a rather heavy 'dear family' letter to my family and lots of you were kind enough to boost my spirits.

I have had a great time since then. I spent the Sunday before Christmas visiting my parents then had a lovely Christmas with some good friends in Dorking. They dropped me at the airport on the Sunday after Christmas. I flew to Naples and have spent the last week walking with a group in the area south of Vesuvius and visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, the Amalfi coast and so on.

This is my last evening and I am now in a posh hotel in Naples that was converted from a convent. I will be spending the day sightseeing in Naples tomorrow then back to work on Tuesday. I have decided to take some time in the New Year to build up my emotional resilience but all in all I feel in a good time and that is in no small part thanks to you my fellow Cyclechatters. So thank you all again from the bottom of my heart.

Wishing you a healthy and happy 2016.

 

[Hill Wimp]

Well done @alicat , so pleased you have had a great time.

Best wishes for 2016.

 

[gavintc]

We spent 2 yrs in Naples and loved it. Good luck with your trip around Naples tomorrow - there are some amazing things to see.

 

[Scoosh]

Quick @gavintc - give her the lowdown on the best rides !

 

[Saluki]

Sounds like you are having a blast. Well done you @alicat
Spending time on your inner resiliance is time well spent.

 

[alicat]

Thanks @gavintc. Any tips for the best things to go and see? The archaelogical museum and Santa Chiara have been suggested - what else would be good? Any good bike shops? I'm staying in San Francesco al Monte on Corso Vittorio Emanuele and it is absolutely fabulous. Part of me is tempted to pay to stay in the room and read all day, I must say!

The group went home earlier today but the flight home was full when I booked so I am staying an extra day.

 

[Scoosh]

Slightly OT but you should ask @gavintc to tell you about the cycling club he joined in Naples and their Saturday ride-outs ! Brilliant stories ... and a 'slight' culture change !

 

[alicat]

Go on @gavintc - spill the beans.

 

[gavintc]

Go on @gavintc - spill the beans.

The italians dont do 'follow the rules' terribly well - particularly the Neapolitans. The sat rides met at a large square - along with every other club in the area. We also all left at the same time, despite the police wanting a more orderly number of cyclists. The net effect was that for the 1st 15km, there was a peloton of 100-200 road bikes. We took over all the road space - including the dual carriageway and no one stopped for roundabouts or traffic lights. This was like a TdF peloton charging through the local towns.

But the big issue, was that my club owner and doctor were arrested in the late autumn for drugs offences - supplying EPO to the riders. My club had the best results at the time. The club was closed down for a few months and then reformed in the spring in a new name.

 

[Maverick Goose]

Take it easy and all the very best alicat!

 

[gavintc]

Thanks @gavintc. Any tips for the best things to go and see? The archaelogical museum and Santa Chiara have been suggested - what else would be good? Any good bike shops? I'm staying in San Francesco al Monte on Corso Vittorio Emanuele and it is absolutely fabulous. Part of me is tempted to pay to stay in the room and read all day, I must say!

The group went home earlier today but the flight home was full when I booked so I am staying an extra day.

The galleria umberto and piazza plebiscito are worth visiting and castel uovo. Indeed, you can eat inside the castle, there are lots of little restuarants in the little village inside. Chiaia is the upmarket district - smart shops etc and some good restaurants. The little lanes just down the hill from your hotel are excellent - but some Brits find it frightening. If you go there, dress down and keep valuables out of sight. Dont look like a flash tourist.

Hope you enjoy it - it is an edgy city. The crime is against property not against the person. so, if you are mugged, they will not plan to hurt you.

 

[Globalti]

Jesus H, the owner and club doctor were supplying EPO? No wonder US Postal felt left out when they first arrived in Europe.

My GF went to Naples and got her bottom pinched. Did this happen to you?

 

[alicat]

Thanks for the lowdown @gavintc. I can do edgy having visited quite a lot of South and Central America. I'm looking forward to a good day out tomorrow.

 

[gavintc]

Jesus H, the owner and club doctor were supplying EPO? No wonder US Postal felt left out when they first arrived in Europe.

My GF went to Naples and got her bottom pinched. Did this happen to you?

Yes, my friend, who was doing well in races was offered some. He warned me that I start to get good results, I would be propositioned. It was actually a good club, you were obliged to wear the club kit all the time - even on my commute to work and if spotted not wearing it, you could expect a phone call. The commaraderie was excellent - but not too surprising that police caught up with them. The owner had raced in the giro only a few years previously.

 

[Scoosh]

My GF went to Naples and got her bottom pinched. Did this happen to you?

Yes, .....

Thanks @gavintc - the CC membership fees and 'goodies' is interesting too ... / /



[I well remember sitting enthralled in Craigie's Fruit Farm listening in amazement ... ]