From the print and online editions of the nation's premier urban-policy magazine http://www.city-journal.org/cj-comments.xml?story=6805 Manhattan Institute There aren't many words that can accurately described Naples and its residents, but the ones that come to mind are: edgy, vibrant, exciting, vivid, splendid, soulful, and fulfilling. I lived there for 4 years and have been back twice since. The people there (and in most of Italy) and the most wonderful on the planet. For every pickpocket there are dozens of kind-hearted souls who will give you the shirts off their back, or spend all day explaining how to get to the location you are trying to find. Once on a city bus I asked the driver where to get off for a certain location and at least a dozen Napolitanos started a conversation with me trying to help me out (and of course, arguing amongst each other!). Try that in a big US city. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5814 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5814 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:55:36 EDT Why is the city of Naples in it current state? It is primarily due to left wing politicans who has dictated policy for so many years. Mentioning Detroit in the same breathe certainly makes sense. Two great cities that have been victims of left wing policies. Despite the santitation problem, I do enjoy the architecture and Neopolitian cuisine. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5496 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5496 Sat, 26 Mar 2011 10:11:07 EDT You saw a different Naples from the one I saw last year. It's been a pigsty for years, Cammora or no, and even my Neapolitian friends are dismayed and disgusted. Not even a good place to change trains. The Italians should be ashamed. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5449 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5449 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:45:33 EDT I was in Naples in 1969 (my only visit) and your description matches my memory of it exactly. The reason given then for the garbage on the streets was a strike, so I thought that was a temporary state of affairs. Too bad they can't clean it up. But if the chain stores are staying away because of that, then it's not all bad. We're going back to Naples in May and looking forward to it! http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5439 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5439 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:15:30 EDT Al-- Just how many wives have you got, boy? http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5433 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5433 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:33:38 EDT Loved the article http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5431 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5431 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 06:47:37 EDT What is it with this website and "English provincial" cities. There have been surveys suggesting that 70% of Neapolitans are scared to go out at night. Yes you will find some drunks on the streets of English cities but they are refreshingly Camorra free. Also English provincial cities do not have governance systems that have been so profoundly corrupted by organised crime that they ahave become indistinguishable from organised crime. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5430 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5430 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 04:49:52 EDT Great article showing what Naples is really about. Whilst I on the one hand appreciate the absence of tourists, it would be nice to see the city flourish once again for the sake of its inhabitants. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5429 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5429 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 03:36:50 EDT Interesting article that helps bring Naples to life. I love the detail. Alexander, thanks for your informative comment. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5428 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5428 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 03:28:03 EDT My wife and I spent a wonderful Thanksgiving Day in this beautiful city. Started the day with a cappuccino and a sfogliatella and walked the entire city until 6 pm. A day that will never be forgotten. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5422 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5422 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:57:04 EDT My wife and I spent a wonderful Thanksgiving Day in this beautiful city. Started the day with a cappuccino and a sfogliatella and walked the entire city until 6 pm. A day that will never be forgotten. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5421 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5421 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:56:08 EDT It is very similar to Buenos Aires, which of course had a large Neapolitan influx in the late 19th early 20th century (including the Camorra). Even the portenio dialect owes much to Naples and the dress code too. Suits and ties are still de rigueur in most Buenos Aires offices. There are almost no chain stores and every barrio has its own independent shops, restaurants and cafes. The southern Italian and Spanish cultures had centuries to meld under the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, whose cultures and customs were easily transplanted to the pampas and the great port of Buenos Aires. http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5420 http://www.city-journal.org/comments/index.php?story=6805#5420 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 15:54:01 EDT