Like a real Neapolitan Tristan Rutherford, a journalist of the Guardian talk about his Vespa tour with us in Naples.
“Googling “Naples scooter” in a search for a local rental joint brings up a slew of hair-raising YouTube videos. Vintage Vespas squeeze between menacing orange buses. Animated drivers shake clenched fists in the air, as tiny two-wheelers swing past, leaving a jam of cars in their wake.
Edgy, daring, reckless: I find the idea of seeing Naples like a Neapolitan irresistible. Locals claim the city is so enchanting that one can “Vedi Napoli e poi muori” – “See Naples and die”. I just hope that’s not meant literally.
Snarling traffic and sunny skies make motorcycles the obvious vehicle of choice. When cars and buses stop at red lights, scooters fill the gaps. Before the green light flickers locals give each other a good stare. Riders flirt with drivers, and couples canoodle across seats, before the entire pack presses their foot to the floor. With a bag of local tips and €5 of petrol, anyone can join in this urban tour…”