steed Posted February 20, 2011 Share #1 Posted February 20, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello faithful forum members My wife and I will be traveling to Rome, and would like to see Pompeii. That means a stop in Naples. Thus far, what I have read about crime in Naples is quite alarming. Would anyone have some advice as to the safest way to get from the Naples train station to the Archeological Museum there? Do I leave the Leica behind in Rome before journeying to Naples? I do not mean to offend anyone, and would love to read that my concerns are overblown. Honesty would be greatly appreciated. Regards John W Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 20, 2011 Posted February 20, 2011 Hi steed, Take a look here need advice regarding trip to Naples/Pompeii. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
NZDavid Posted February 20, 2011 Share #2 Posted February 20, 2011 This has been asked before (search the forum for more info). Our stay was in 2007, so things may have changed but we had absolutely no problems. It's easy to use the metro or local train and walk to major sites including the archaeological museum (a must-see) and Pompeii. You can take the ferry across to Sorrento to Capri. We stayed in the old town (Spaccanapoli), walked around, visited churches, sampled pizza and admired the specialty shops, went to a night market, and watched whole families tearing about on Vespas! (Got some good shots with the M6 and 35 'cron ASPH.) I think down near the waterfront where some of the upmarket tourists hotels may be riskier, but, like anywhere, you have to exercise caution. We stayed here: Costantinopoli 104 - Naples Alas, everywhere in Italy is pricey now! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted February 20, 2011 Share #3 Posted February 20, 2011 Yes, gone are the days when Italy and Spain were a welcome respite from the high prices of northern Europe. Naples is fine, you just have to be vigilent but the same applies in Barcelona, Paris, London and <insert your destination here>. In my experience, the exception is the German-speaking countries (D, A, CH) where people are much more respectful of other people's property. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicoleica Posted February 20, 2011 Share #4 Posted February 20, 2011 Try to avoid 79 AD if at all possible. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted February 20, 2011 Share #5 Posted February 20, 2011 John W. provided you are sensibly vigilant and do not wear expensive camera gear ostentatiously, it would be a shame not to carry a Leica camera. Your wife should avoid wearing jewellery of any value. We lived there for three years and witnessed muggings. Even locals can get careless although we came through unscathed. You develop a sixth sense of awareness. In crowded situations my wife would walk slightly behind me and warn me when suspicious characters were assessing their chances, particularly in Naples. A compact Leica is easy to conceal quickly. If you are carrying a system bag with several lenses, make sure the strap is diagonally placed over your upper body. Anything hanging loose from one shoulder is 'easy meat' for deft youths. That advice applies anywhere, in my opinion. Allow a day at least for Pompeii if you want to see most of it and soak up the atmosphere. Do not forget Herculaneum which is more compact and every bit as interesting. Have a super time and report back on your experiences. Time of year influences your photography. March to May is a good time; avoid July and August if possible (too hot, too crowded and harsh lighting). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted February 20, 2011 Share #6 Posted February 20, 2011 If you're not interested in Naples and will just be in 'transit' from Rome to Pompei don't worry. Be streetwise and enjoy yourself. I was in Naples for a 'day-trip' from Rome (very early start) with the family and had no problems. Most people, muggers included, wouldn't have a clue as to what a Leica is. In our recent 5 week trip in Europe I only saw two other Leicas: a black M9 like mine and an S2. It probably wouldn't register compared to an alternative 'target' with an oversized DSLR. I assume you have the camera insured, (not that you could get a new one in a hurry) Have a great trip. Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
myshkine Posted February 20, 2011 Share #7 Posted February 20, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Don't worry too much. Today's world can be complicated at all latitudes... If you feel the need to be reassured, maybe use a case, it makes your gear look like an oldie, inexpensive camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spydrxx Posted February 20, 2011 Share #8 Posted February 20, 2011 No disrespect intended, but try not look like an overweight tourist with jewelry and cameras and other items of value dangled about oneself, and unable to fend off a mugger. In other words, carry what you need, not the kitchen sink. Be alert to your surroundings. Several years ago my wife and I were in Naples waiting for a bus when a mugger relieved the lady ahead of us of her dazzling gold necklace in the blink of an eye. I felt sorry for her, but she clearly wasn't paying attention to the advice she had received from others in her party. BTW this advice applies to wherever you go in the world...don't do the things which make you an easy target if there are better alternatives...don't go into dark places alone, with money hanging out of your pocket,,,,etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted February 20, 2011 Share #9 Posted February 20, 2011 I forgot to add this cautionary tale... Many years ago a family friend was attacked in Naples. The offender, a pillion passenger on a moped driving past, grabbed her necklace but in a panic she grabbed his. They made off with each others jewellery. The attacker got costume jewellery worth a few hundred dollars, but she ended up with $3000 worth of gold necklace. So you need to insist your mugger is carrying an M9/50Noct combo! Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manolo Laguillo Posted February 22, 2011 Share #10 Posted February 22, 2011 I remember entering 2 years ago Marseille by car, it was 10pm, we were driving from Barcelona, where we live. In that round place with an arch in the middle we stopped at the red light, and suddenly someone violently opened the right door, pushed my wife´s legs and quickly tried to catch her bag... but luckily the bag was on the back seats, our Toyota Land Cruiser (a taller car) has only 2 doors, and it was already dark! The guy had the helm on his head, and jumped quickly back to where his friend on a motorcycle was waiting, on the other side of the road where it would be impossible to follow them by car... they were clever, indeed. And a friend of mine, a french professional press photographer who lives in Barcelona since many years, was robbed not long ago from his bag filled with equipment when sipping a coffee in a terraza, the bag was on the floor between his legs, but he did not pay sufficient attention... When I drive I put the bag in a place that's difficult to see from the outside. Closing the doors from the inside is a must since Marseille, everywhere, even in my own city. Ok, perhaps I won't close them in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iangee Posted February 22, 2011 Share #11 Posted February 22, 2011 Most thieves are after your wallet — mine was stolen getting on a train at Naples. Although we stood well away from anyone else on the platform, when the train came in there was suddenly a crowd around us, and my wallet was taken from a back pocket. By the time I was able to phone my bank a couple of hours later a credit card had been emptied! Since then I have had no further trouble in Italy — my wallet is in a case around my neck inside my shirt. Pickpockets on trains and buses are very adept at getting their fingers into bags, so I hold my camera bag in front of me and sometimes have an extra strap around my waist. Just be aware that in the big cities there are thieves about, particularly anywhere crowded, and you will be OK. Have a great trip — Pompeii is excellent, but you will find better places to eat in the streets outside the complex Ian Gee Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergius Posted February 23, 2011 Share #12 Posted February 23, 2011 Dear John, I'm sorry for my broken English.... I'm from Naples and I think that David told you perfect suggestions. Follow them ! It's a difficult but beautiful city. Have nice trip ! Sergio Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howiepix Posted February 23, 2011 Share #13 Posted February 23, 2011 I have a friend who was in Rome about 5 years ago with his vintage super 8 movie camera, A thief came up to him and grabbed the camera, The robber then disappeared in a flash around a corner. While my friend was still standing there in shock, the mugger reappeared, apologised in Italian and returned the camera. Hopefully any would-be thieves wont know what a red dot means and will feel sorry for you having to use such an antique piece of equipment Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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