As a student living in Berlin, I love exploring the countless new neighborhoods and foods to try. However, with spring break rolling around, I jumped at the opportunity to explore a new part of Europe. After discussing it over with my friends, we decided on a trip to Naples and Rome! After hours of research and talking to friends who have been to Italy before, we found the perfect little studio in the Spanish Quarter.
Naples
From the moment we stepped off the plane, we knew we were in for a treat. The weather was warm, and we were filled with excitement to explore a new country. After settling in at the AirBnB, I went out to explore the city. Naples was vibrant and full of life, its narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, bustling cafes, and seafood vendors. As I walked down the streets, I saw women hanging clothes out to dry in the bright Italian sun. As I continued past countless cafes, motorcycles whizzed by me as they navigated the busy streets. Due to the tremendous football/soccer season, the streets were adorned in blue and white, posters of Maradonna covering the walls, and I passed several groups of kids playing soccer after school.
During our two full days in Naples, we spent our time exploring the city and soaking up everything it had to offer. On our first day, we wandered through the narrow streets of the historic district, admiring the intricate architecture of the centuries-old buildings. We also sampled the local cuisine, devouring new dishes. My favorites were cuopo: a cone filled with varied fried seafood, pizza a la portfolio: a folded pizza (but its baked that way!), and a delicious rose cake I’ve already forgotten the name of. We spent our evenings eating fresh seafood and watching the sunset over the Bay of Naples. We even toured the ruins of Pompeii!
Rome
After a few days in Naples, we took the train to Rome. I was surprised at how different the cities were! Naples had felt less touristy and very authentic Italian, while Rome was significantly larger with classic architecture every way you look. Everywhere we turned, we were confronted with towering columns, sweeping arches, and intricately carved statues. We marveled at the Colosseum, strolled through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, and took many breaks to lay in the grass and soak up the sun.
On our second day in Rome, we visited the National Museum of Rome. The museum is a beautiful architectural feat, filled with exquisite contemporary art. My personal favorite exhibition was a video by performance artist Marina Abramovic titled “The Onion,” where she listlessly eats an entire onion and narrates her wishes for herself over the video.
While I loved the art and architecture, it was not the only thing that captivated us in Rome. We also fell in love with the city’s vibrant street life. Every night, we would head out to one of the city’s bustling piazzas, where we would join the throngs of locals and tourists eating delicious food and enjoying the warm evening air. We even met some friends along the way, sharing stories and tips on the best places to eat.
By the end of the trip, we had experienced so much in such a short amount of time. We explored new landscapes, and indulged in delicious food and art. But perhaps most importantly, we explored a new country and culture. It’s definitely worth venturing outside of your comfort zone and we knew that we would never forget our adventures in Italy. However, we were also excited to return to Berlin and the rhythm of normal life. We knew that we had been fortunate to experience a different side of Europe, but we were also grateful for the city that we called home. After a week in Italy, we missed the comparative tranquility of German life (even missing the Bratwurst and potatoes).
