Turtles, Espresso and more Gelato = Naples, Italy
Yes.
When volunteering for an Environmental program (IVHQ / INN) you are lucky enough to have exposure to many opportunities. More than you would expect. Signing up for the good of supporting the city of Naples (actual meaning, "New City") - many lovely doors open.
If you would like to visit the "Old City" you may :) it consists of one rock which the castle was built into and inside holds a tiny village.
Lets begin with my projects.. I was lucky to partake in two of the four opportunities. The first, was at the Anton Dohrn Aquarium in Naples, which was actually the first Aquarium ever, founded by German Scientist Anton Dohrn in 1872. I was allowed to feed and help monitor the habitat of the turtles - the "piccolo" (meaning little ones in Italian) turtles were the cutest! FYI if you are an Algae lover (as was the girl I was with) stop eating it immediately, you are not only polluting your body but it is poisonous.
World's first Aquarium, founded in and still resembles the 19th century foundation
The second, is working to find sponsorship for and getting the word out about the CitiBike of Naples, Bike Sharing Napoli. With Naples tourism growing up to 3 million a year its time to install some bikes!! The team is not only unbelievably welcoming to us but also so helpful to teaching us how and what to see in this beautiful city! During a break today, they showed us a local espresso bar and are really taking us under their wing. Its pretty amazing to feel as though you are a part of Naples, on that note I can not describe how lovely the locals are!! Disregard the world myths on the crime of this city, yes of course be smart and have an eye out just as you would in New York City, but everyone we have run into is not only kind with how to get places, even writing down directions and places, but even so gracious as to when I bought only one red (locally grown) plum, the market owner just gave it to me!
And that leaves Gelato... what is a day without some ice cream...? Oh, and of course gaining entry into a mansion that was once home to a huge Italian family, best part - still mostly owned and lived in my the same family, but separate apartments.
Be sure to check out the ceiling through the top of the door!
Inside the Italian Mansion
*Nice surprise on the walk back from working the Aquarium!
