Taste (H.S. / A.U.)

Chapter 61

ELOISE DUPONT

Despite the burnt orange cardigan draped over my shoulders, a crisp breeze rolled over me. Ricky, Jade, and I were eager to explore Naples and the surrounding areas. I felt lately like my time from Jade and Ricky had been dwindling, and I didn't get to catch up enough with them. At the beginning of tour, it was us three against the world, but as of late, they fell on the backburner of my plans, and I was guilty of that problem.

I wasn't surprised when Harper opted to continue the next stop of tour with Harry, or Lloyd I should actually admit. But it still was a bummer that she didn't join us. Secretly, I think she lucked out with how much walking Ricky was going to have us do today.

The day was bright with rays casting over everything. After a hearty breakfast, Ricky led the way to Castel dell'Ovo, an ancient fortress perched on the edge of the Bay of Naples. The massive stone structure loomed against the vibrant blue sky, its weathered walls telling centuries of history.

Tourists were everywhere taking in the same sight, snapping photos, chatting in various languages, and admiring the panoramic views of the sparkling Mediterranean below. Ricky, with a gleam in his eye, pulled out his newly acquired tour guide that he picked up from the airport that morning. 

Skimming over pages he finally found what he wanted, pointing a finger over the passage before reading random tidbits of trivia about the castle. "Did you know this castle was once used as a royal residence? And that the name 'Castel dell'Ovo' means 'Castle of the Egg'?" he asked, his voice brimming with excitement.

Jade and I were far more interested in the view than the history lesson. Practically ignoring him, we instead took photos and joked about the crowds, trying to find the perfect angle to capture the imposing architecture.

Earlier in tour, I had avoided the camera and photos, but lately I was loving getting to capture each and every moment that has unfolded over the months. I liked seeing the great places I have traveled to and the memories it created.

Ricky drug us from one location to the next, telling us he had far too much planned and too little time to do it all. 

Up next was Mount Vesuvius, the infamous volcano that had once buried the ancient city of Pompeii under volcanic ash. The hike up the mountain was challenging, but Ricky powered ahead, lecturing us on the geological significance of the volcano. "Vesuvius is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It erupted more than 30 times in the past 2,000 years!" he exclaimed, as they trudged up the dusty path toward the crater.

I loved the experience, but between Jade and I puffing and giggling, trying to catch our breath we were on the verge of not making it. Ricky did not share our slowed pace. We would pause every so often to snap selfies in front of the steep, smoky slopes while he trudged forward without us.

The view from the summit was breathtaking once we finally made it. I understood immediately why he said this was something we had to do, because this was what felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Naples sprawled beneath us like a living postcard, with the deep blue of the sea meeting the horizon in a way that felt almost surreal.

Even with the small crowds, there was a serene quality to the mountaintop. The moment was both humbling and awe-inspiring. 

I wish Harry was here. 

No, no. I banished that thought. Today was about me, Jade, and Ricky. Not Harry. I even warned him that our travels will leave me with less communications than normal, and he was fine with that.

From the volcanic heights, per Ricky's request, we descended into the heart of the city to visit the National Archaeological Museum. Inside, the museum was a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, with statues, frescoes, and mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum filling the vast, marble halls.