European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 16, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Christmas Alley Antonio Ferrara puts finishing touches on Pulcinella a famous neapolitan Down. \a/h�f0 shop posts Dosh for bits of Hollody it Cicic amps photos by sue Palumbo rows of tiny water fountains and Day people and animals delighted children by sue Palumbo Mediterranean Bureau twas two weeks before Christmas when the bus pulled to a Stop and dozens of children and parents got out to shop. And what to their wondering eyes should appear but a shopper s Paradise filled with Christmas cheer. Bright coloured lights and Angels on High delighted the children who gave a Small cry. They ran through the Alley All glittering with Gold peeking in shops filled with treasures untold. Quot look mama it s Christmas Quot the cried with Joy and quickly inspected each and every toy. Quot it really is Beautiful Quot said Karen Lyon. Quot i enjoy it As much As the children  Lyon and daughter Kristen were among the two dozen first graders from Naples elementary school who recently visited the infamous Christmas Alley in Naples Italy. Reminiscent of shoppers Rushing for last minute purchases on Christmas eve in downtown Usa the group hustled and bustled its Way through the tiny Back Alley in the heart of Naples. The Cobblestone Street was packed with american and italian children on a similar Outing looking for that perfect gift. Quot this is old Naples the magic Naple Smimo Luisa told a passing american in his halting English. Quot you come Here you step Back in  and he was right. Traditional neapolitan Folk songs blared on an old tape player As merchants tried to educate shoppers As to which figures were essential for an authentic italian Presepe or Manger scene. Row after Row of the baby Jesus in various sizes lined the Street alongside dozens of marys Josephs and shepherds galore. Oxen and sheep donkeys and hens kept children Busy for hours. Even Santa made his appearance on ornaments and Bells fit for even the most american tree. The fountains with real running water captured the eyes of Kristen Lyon and Ashley Blair As their chaperone Alfredo Criscuollo captured them on video As they carefully selected a suitable addition to their private collections. All too soon the Outing was Over and elated children and parents Laden with tiny treasures marched off to partake of a fitting Christmas feast a pizza. December 16, 1993 stripes Magazine 9