Ep 29. Naples, Italy

Samantha Brown’s Passport takes viewers on a journey around the world, discovering new cultures, cuisines, and experiences. In season 2 episode 29, Samantha travels to Naples, Italy, one of the country’s most beautiful and historic cities.

The episode starts with Samantha exploring the city’s famous landmarks. She visits the Royal Palace of Naples, a grand neoclassical building that was once home to the Bourbon kings of Naples. She admires the palace’s ornate interiors, which include frescoes, stucco decorations, and royal apartments. Next, she heads to the Castel dell’Ovo, a medieval castle overlooking the Gulf of Naples. She tells viewers about the legend of the castle’s name, which means “Egg Castle” in Italian, and the myth that a magical egg is hidden inside its walls.

Samantha also takes a stroll through the bustling streets of Naples, where the atmosphere is lively and chaotic. She stops at Piazza del Plebiscito, a vast square surrounded by impressive buildings such as the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Royal Palace. She marvels at the beauty of the square and explains its importance in Neapolitan history.

Food is a central part of Neapolitan culture, and Samantha makes sure to sample some of the city’s famous dishes. She visits a traditional pizzeria and watches as the chef kneads the dough, adds the toppings, and slides the pizza into the brick oven. She takes a bite of the hot, crispy pizza and describes the flavors of the tomato sauce, cheese, and basil.

Another Neapolitan specialty that Samantha tries is the sfogliatella, a shell-shaped pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese. She visits a local bakery that has been making sfogliatelle for over a century and watches as the bakers skillfully roll out the dough and fold it into the classic shape. She takes a bite of the flaky, creamy pastry and pronounces it “delizioso.”

The episode also explores the city’s darker side, as Samantha visits the Catacombs of San Gennaro. These underground tombs contain the remains of thousands of Neapolitans, preserved in eerie displays that are both fascinating and unsettling. Samantha talks about the history of the catacombs and the religious significance of the saint whose name they bear.

Finally, Samantha heads to the Amalfi Coast, one of Italy’s most picturesque destinations. She drives along the winding roads that hug the cliffs, marveling at the sweeping views of the azure sea and the colorful villages perched on the hillsides. She stops in Positano, a charming town famous for its pastel-colored houses and winding streets. She visits a local artisan who crafts beautiful ceramics using ancient techniques and talks about the importance of preserving traditional crafts in a modern world.

Throughout the episode, Samantha Brown’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious as she explores all that Naples has to offer. From the grandeur of the Royal Palace to the flavors of the local cuisine to the haunting beauty of the catacombs, she brings viewers along on a journey of discovery and wonder.