Parthenope (Naples)

On the small island of Megaride there is the oldest standing fortification in Naples (picture above). During the 8th century BC Greek colonists founded on the island of Megaride, which is now a peninsula, the first nucleus of the city of Naples (South Italy). They named the settlement Parthenope, after the siren in Greek mythology. 

The seagull in the picture below is enjoying the gulf of Naples and its volcano. 

Since Friday 24 September I have been in Naples, as my mother and my two sisters live there with their families. I noticed that many people, who live in Naples, wear a mask outdoors. After a while I learnt that Naples mayor ordered to continue to wear masks and observe social distancing rules everywhere. He is afraid the virus may be still dangerous, although more than 60% of people who live in Naples are fully vaccinated.

The picture below shows an old local market in Naples, where I bought Italian walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts ... unfortunately, grocery and supermarket clerks in Rome and surroundings (where I live) sell walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts that are almost exclusively shipped from great distance, such as Argentina, Australia, Chile, South Africa,  US (California), Turkey, etc. 

I think eating local food is better for us, for the environment, and for our taste buds.

Still in Rome

On Thursday, September 16th, I went to Rome for job. I was so glad to see many tourists walking through the main streets of the town and visiting the most important landmarks in Rome. In September weather is never too hot and never too cold. That's the main reason why they decided to visit Rome in late summer. The problem is that visitors have to show their COVID-19 digital certificates before entering department stores, shops, restaurants, cafes and other indoor venues.

Many Italians believe that the introduction of the COVID-19 digital certificates is an infringement of some constitutional rights and freedoms. It seems that policy makers haven't implemented EU regulations correctly. EU provisions related to the COVID-19 digital certificate ("Green pass", that's its name in Italy), which have been incorporated into the Italian legislation, may allow cafes and restaurants' owners to discriminate against those who don't wish to receive the vaccine. Unfortunately, they will have no choice but observe the COVID-19 certificate rules. It has to be said that in many UE countries this is not the case, although the EU Regulation about the COVID-19 digital certificate is the same. 

Anyway, I think that people still have to wear a mask indoors and observe social distance rules, even if people have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

After I had finished work, I enjoyed walking along the main streets of Rome.

Nice weekend to all of you 🍇 ☀️ 🌺

Sunny Sunday on September 5th

 

Water is still fantastic on Sunday, September 5th. Today the sea is warm and temperate along the Thyrrenian coast, with translucent water, and almost no waves. It's perfect for snorkeling (Santa Marinella, Italy).

The school ship "Amerigo Vespucci" has just left Civitavecchia harbour. The ship was named after the name of the explorer Amerigo Vespucci, and usually carries 24 sails, for a total surface of 2.600 square metres.

Have a nice Sunday ☀️