Stop Trashing Naples!
I just returned from Naples, and unfortunately, it seems that every time I go there it’s to report on problems. Mostly organized crime, or more recently, trash.
Granted, Naples is not all pretty. But a lot of it is absolutely stunning, as anybody who’s ever been there can tell you. And the people are lovely. Make that lovely and lively. In fact, there’s so much action there that it feels a bit like a movie set.
The city has had its trash crisis – dumps full, no collection – for years now. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is talking tough about fixing the situation. We’ll see if he can follow through where the others have failed.
Here’s a short video I did with producer Mario Biasetti. We try to show just a bit of the other side of Naples. You’ll recognize me, although we start with an interview with Tricia Reynolds, an American who has lived in the city for more than 30 years.
done
Greg Burke has been with the FNC Rome Bureau since 2001. He has covered
a number of major stories including the death of Pope John Paul II, the
Madrid train bombings, the Paris riots, and the war in Lebanon. 
We took a gamble and went to Naples in April despite all the friendly warnings. It was far worse than I ever imagined. Dead animals rotting in the streets. Buildings in ruins. I was terrified. And then, our group of five met Dominique at the train station who offered us honest advice in relatively good English on which trains to take. Then, he offered to drive us around in his van if we wanted for a most reasonable fee. His van was a registered limo service. He was an angel in a city of despair. We hired him for the rest of the day and left the Naples area with a wonderful impression. Turns out he was a retired singer from the cruise ship circuit. Be careful, but be open to what lies beyond the garbage.
There are no comments because the video doesn’t run-I assume you are trying to stick up for Naples- and well you should- it is a great town and you must always be careful.
The beauty is quite evident- a friend once told me “Naples is like a beautiful woman who has just been told she has cancer” Sad but true!
The Neapolitans are game players- it is their game to try and get you to overpay- it is your job to not let them- as a sport it’s lots of fun. They are not trying to make hundreds just a few Euro over what it should be- it’s all a laugh and not worth staying away from NAPLES. sOME OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS- some of the best hotels- some of the best places to go by boat- all in Naples-
I have been going to Italy for the last ten years for four months at a time- before that I made periodic trips- my first trip to Naples was in 1955- I loved it then and I still love it-I live in NYC so I don’t stay in Naples but I do go down to that area at least once every year and I love it!Ok - the garbage thing was disqusting this year- but that’s because nobody did anything and it went out of control- Prodi - just didn’t get it! But now Burlesconi will end the problemm– ok ciao