This Is Italy
We received Saskia 'Ciao tutti' Balmaekers' latest Italy book from Xander Publishers: My Naples. It was subtitled 'Discover Italy's most fascinating city'.
After Saskia previously (among others) My Rome released, a book was about Napels obvious. Anyone who has ever been to Naples will agree. The city has 'it'. The life, the people and the sights, everything feels more intense than anywhere else in Italy. And that means that Naples is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Italy.
Saskia says this herself in her introduction:
'Naples' most remarkable landmark is neither a cathedral nor a monumental palazzo. The main attraction is the city itself. In this book I expose the soul of Napoli so that you will love the city as much as I do.'
Naples in book form
Naples is difficult to capture in a book, blog or even in a video, but Saskia tries anyway. She does this in a simple way, with lots of photos, stories and color on the pages.
Who the other books of Saskia (Hello everybody, Bye bye tutti Rome, My Rome, My Italy, My Puglia) knows exactly what to expect from her latest.
The cover of My Naples is completely in Naples-pink style with recognizable photos of the world-famous pizza Margherita, from working-class district Sanità (which, by the way, you have one of the best pizzerias in Naples from the most famous tree in Italy at Ravello and from the old fishing port at Procida.
Also in My Naples we can browse again, enjoy the beautiful photos and read as if we were diving into Saskia's blog. She lards interesting facts with personal tips and also mentions the addresses where we should be.
In the book there are also guest roles for, for example, the Dutch Iris and Joel which we have already seen on this site. They give tips about the tours they can arrange through the city.
A combination of stock photos, own photos and portraits of Saskia in Naples has been used for the book, which gives the book the necessary individuality.
Everything that makes Naples Naples is covered:
- The different (popular) districts of Naples
- The special street art
- Pizzas, coffee, nativity scenes, football players and those typical Neapolitan desserts
- The underground world of Naples
- Neapolitan recipes
- Tips for your visit to Naples
Places of Interest Outside of Naples
The book also makes trips outside the city. So nice to recover from all that noisy theatre. Saskia takes us by hydrofoil to the islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri in the Gulf of Naples. But also on a road trip along the Amalfi Coast she treats us.
And of course, world-famous attractions such as Herculaneum, Pompeii and Vesuvius are not lacking.
Have fun reading and planning
Yes, My Naples is a beautiful book where almost everything you would like to see, do or experience in Naples is mentioned. Of course you can also find everything on Saskia's blog – or on one of the many other Italy blogs – but nothing beats a book to dream away in and secretly make plans for your next city trip.
Because beware: if you've even read this for a while, you'll want to go there yourself to experience Naples (again).
My Naples – Discover Italy's Most Fascinating City
by: Saskia Balmaekers
272 pages
€ 20,99
Xander Publishers, May 2020
ISBN 9789401612104
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