So, here I am in Napoli! And this is now my reality for the next 6 weeks… time is passing fast, I vividly remember the start of the Masters but now we are already working on our major projects!
Earlier on in May Napoli has been in the news once more; there was again a huge problem with the rubbish, “Munnezza” as it is called in Neapolitan dialect, and the issue is still unresolved. Right in front of my friends flat is a rubbish dump that hasn’t been removed properly and there are signs that somebody previously set on fire in… Considering the fact that it is summer now and the temperature climbs up to 30 degrees the situation has reached serious levels. Will the rubbish problem be on top of the agenda after the mayoral elections, is the big question?! Over the coming weekend is the second round of the election and the race is between “de Magistris” and “Lettieri”, the former being an ex-prosecutor and well known for his investigation of people connected with criminal syndicates and politics. The latter is from the “Berlusconi camp” and it’s know across the city that he is connected to the Camorra… Apparently, not far from where I stay (in Via Santa Maria Antesaecula), there will be an assembly on Sunday afternoon of the Camorra Clans to fight “de Magistris” votes (what ever that means) - an ex-prosecutor as the mayor of Naples does not fit their political agenda! But what will happen if “Letieri” wins? A thought that my friends find difficult to bear and a question they find hard to answer…
One very important question I needed to be answered though, was how the Camorra related situation is for Via Miracoli. Apparently the situation is calm, the “Clan” that is ruling this area keeps their activities low-key in order not to attract the police. Also, as I have previously been told that Via Miracoli is dividing two different clans, that is not the case anymore. This came as a relief to hear as and that means I can leave my initial worries behind and begin my work.
Simona, my friend with whom I am living with, introduced me to the elderly (slightly grumpy) couple which own the only “cemetery candle maker” shop in the whole city. Their shop looks like from another century. Further there is the community centre for South American immigrants and this is another interesting spot, late night Salsa dancing and other (some slightly doggy) activities…
[caption id=“attachment_587” align=“alignnone” width=“700” caption=“This is just the tip of the ice berg - Piazza Miracoli”]
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[caption id=“attachment_588” align=“alignnone” width=“700” caption=“The other Neapolitan reality, shopping delivery from the neighbor downstairs.”]
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