The unfamiliar environment includes a glass door leading to a terrace, different morning routines, and the sounds of Italian street vendors.

The family discusses the cultural differences, such as the mosquito nets, stone floors, and the practice of shouting newspaper headlines in the morning.

Later, the family goes on a sightseeing tour in Naples, experiencing the bustling streets, meeting local vendors, and observing various aspects of Neapolitan life.

The chapter concludes with the family enjoying a meal at a restaurant, where the twins make amusing choices from the Italian menu, and Suse falls asleep in a charming setting, akin to Sleeping Beauty, eventually being awakened by their dog, Bubi.

Despite the missed opportunity to climb the lighthouse and Herbert's whimsical wish to sail to America, the family reflects on their adventurous day in Naples.

Suse befriends Pietro due to her love for flowers, while Herbert engages in activities with Bubi, the family dog.

The children play "Sky Hopping" and urge their father to take them to the castle park, but he suggests an excursion to Pozzuoli and Cape Misenum.

Professor Winter's son, Herbert, disobeys his father's instructions not to visit the Blue Grotto, leading to a series of events.

Despite promising to improve, Herbert becomes fixated on the Wonderful Grotto, planning to secretly visit it with a friend named Bernardo.

The narrative follows the adventures of Professor Winter's twins, Suse and Herbert, as they navigate the challenges of attending separate schools in Naples, Italy.

Suse faces anxiety during an entrance exam at the girls' lyceum, but with the support of a sympathetic teacher, she overcomes her fears and excels in the subjects.

On the other hand, Herbert, attending the boys' gymnasium, finds the academic demands more challenging than expected and encounters disciplinary differences that make him question his choice.

The story also highlights the twins' adjustment to the Italian school system, their contrasting experiences, and the unexpected twists in their educational paths.

Eventually, Suse's determination and Herbert's realization lead them to attend the same lyceum, bringing a sense of happiness and unity.

Later, on Christmas Eve, the family is surprised with a beautifully adorned cypress tree and the arrival of friends, including Rita and her brother Enrico.

Professor Winter's frequent professional trips to Rome create an opportunity for the family to explore Pompeii with Uncle Ernst, who is an archaeologist.

Despite initial reluctance, the twins find aspects of Pompeii intriguing, especially the plaster casts of victims from the Vesuvius eruption.

The visit ends with a humorous moment as Herbert expresses hunger and excitement about finding a tavern, only to discover that it's now a set of stone serving tables.

The twins have mixed feelings about Pompeii, with Suse finding the experience unsettling and Herbert preferring modern Berlin.

As for the twins, Professor Winter receives a scientific assignment at the observatory in Naples, and the family moves to Italy for a year.

People traveled with Goethe's Italian Journey and the art history of Johann Joachim Winckelmann, narrowing their focus to seemingly timeless cultural monuments.