Trip 3… Naples Day 5

“Slow mornings in new places remind us that joy isn't found in rushing,

But in resting where we are”

When you’re on holiday, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to squeeze in as many sights as possible in a short time. But after a couple of action-packed days, there’s something magical about slowing down. A quiet, easy morning feels like the perfect balance. You can race through the highlights for a few days, then take a breather to recharge—because if you go full throttle the whole time, you forget you’re supposed to be relaxing from the grind of everyday life.

So, after a few busy days, I decided to enjoy a lie-in. No alarms. No rush. Just a quiet, peaceful start to the day, soaking in the space around me. This unhurried morning led to a leisurely breakfast—a full English, buttery pastries, and blood orange juice, all served with a front-row view of Mount Vesuvius. Even though we saw it every day, it still captivated me. The volcano seemed to change with the light—like it was showing me a new side every time. With the sun already blazing, we threw open the big glass windows and let in some fresh air.

Once we’d soaked up the calm of the morning, it was time for the hotel pool. We'd booked it ages ago, and it felt like the ultimate treat after the sweltering 36–40°C heat of the previous days. The pool was cool, shaded just enough, and the perfect place to let our bodies cool off and reset.

The pool had an unexpected surprise, though—before we could even get in, we were warned about the cushions. Apparently, they were piping hot. (Maybe that's how you get a tan in Naples, I thought!) But the pool was just what we needed. Normally, jumping in is a gradual process—the water’s freezing at first, and you ease in. This time? Relief. We were in within seconds, and it felt like hitting “reset.” We spent two blissful hours there—standing, sitting, and drying off in the sun in between. I could’ve stayed forever.

Halfway through, the sky darkened, and we saw raindrops splashing into the water. A storm was creeping in, and with it came that familiar earthy scent before it pours. We took the hint, hurried inside, and grabbed hot drinks as the rain came down in sheets. The view of Vesuvius was swallowed up by the grey, and we were stuck in the middle of a tropical waterfall. It felt surreal—like being caught in a movie scene.

While we waited out the storm, we played cards and talked about our next steps. But let’s talk about something important: hot chocolate in Italy. When they ask if you want sugar, say yes. Trust me. The waitress was surprised when I politely declined. Then, that first sip. Woah. Bitter is an understatement. After the laughter and some sugar packets, it was tolerable. But I won’t be making that mistake again.

Thankfully, the storm passed quickly. Once the rain eased up, it was time to get back to the city for some shopping. I had one thing in mind: my first Nomination charm. I wanted to start a collection of charms representing places I’ve been on my own, and Naples was the perfect beginning.

We hopped in a taxi, told the driver where we wanted to go, and were dropped off in a totally different area—Piazza del Plebiscito, near Galleria Umberto I. Not quite what we expected, but it turned out to be a happy accident. Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the grandest squares in Naples, lined with beautiful neoclassical buildings, including the Royal Palace and the grand basilica, both steeped in history. The square was quiet but filled with character, with locals sipping coffee and tourists pausing to take it all in. The area was a mix of old and new: historic structures and modern shopping spots, cafes spilling out onto the sidewalks. It was a striking juxtaposition of the city’s past and present.

As we walked around, we stumbled into a hidden gem—a tiny, charming pastry shop tucked away on a side street. The pastries were simply adorable: delicate strawberry tarts and mini donuts that looked like they belonged in a fairytale. We grabbed a quick snack, and I couldn’t help but marvel at how the simplest treats seemed to carry so much charm here.

Next, we headed toward the stunning Galleria Umberto I. Walking into this old shopping gallery felt like stepping into another era. The architecture was a masterpiece, with a huge glass dome, elegant ironwork, and detailed mosaics covering the floors. Inside, the air was cool and breezy, offering a welcome break from the heat outside. The space was calm and inviting—perfect for taking a leisurely stroll. As we wandered, we noticed the zodiac signs laid out in a large circle on the marble floor, each one beautifully detailed. I had to stop and find my sign, Leo, of course, and snap a quick photo. It was such a simple yet magical moment.

We also found a quirky surprise inside—a Miniso store. Among the cute home goods and novelty items, a wall of unicorn plushies caught our attention. From food-themed to fantasy-inspired designs, they were impossibly adorable. Sadly, they were just for display, but it was a fun detour from our more serious shopping.

But back to business. The main goal was still to get my Nomination charm. So we braved the rain again, making our way to the shops. First, we stopped for a quick rest at KFC. Yes, KFC. Not exactly Italian, but a necessary stop for bathroom access and, to our surprise, some seriously tasty KFC bites. They were crispy, juicy, and a welcomed comfort in the middle of the rainstorm.

Then we dashed through the rain to the first stop: my mum’s shop, where she’d seen some beautiful porcelain sun and moon earrings earlier. By this time, the rain was in full force, turning the streets into rivers. We took shelter under the store’s canopy, watching the hustle and bustle of Neapolitan life—people darting in and out of shops, dodging puddles, and zipping by on mopeds. It felt like a real slice of the city, its energy alive even in the downpour.

Once the rain let up, we made a break for it, darting through the waterlogged streets and trying not to get completely soaked again. We were on a mission to reach Salvio Gioielleria Napoli, a local jewelry store known for its high-quality Nomination charms. The charm I had my eye on was the Mount Vesuvius one—something special, exclusive to Naples. It felt like the perfect memento of our trip—personal, meaningful, and something I could cherish forever.

With our shopping done, it was time to take it easy for dinner. We found a cozy little restaurant tucked away in an alcove—L.u.i.s.e. The food looked incredible, and the atmosphere was intimate and inviting. Our waitress was a little grumpy, but it didn’t matter—the vibe was just right for winding down and reflecting on everything we’d experienced. From Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast to the bustling streets of Naples, each moment had been special in its own way. The food, the people, the places—each left a mark on my heart.

After dinner, we made one last stop at Starbucks for a Naples-themed travel mug (part of my growing collection) and popped back into the pastry shop for a couple of treats to take back to the hotel. The strawberry tarts and mini donuts—perfect.

Getting a taxi was easy, and the ride back to the hotel was a breeze, even with the rush hour chaos. Once back at the hotel, we changed into comfy clothes, unpacked a bit, and prepared for our last night. With the view of Mount Vesuvius outside and pastries in hand, it felt like the perfect way to end the trip.

The final day was bittersweet—ready to head back to the UK, but grateful for everything I’d experienced. It was the perfect end to a beautiful week.

Ciao for now,
E. x