Naples is something, you are not!

Naples is a tough city to live. Probably the toughest I’ve ever lived. And no, it is not for safety issues or gang violence wise - I’ve never witnessed anything related to any of those issues on my eleven years here. Naples is tough because it’s a city that forces you to just let it go!

Sometimes I wish things were simpler, or maybe just smoother. Whenever I met a newcomer, I remind myself of how challenging it was when I got here. That sense of being in the middle of the chaos, the underdevelopment sensation of a common depressing existence and the constant urge to run away. But the fact remains: Naples will never adapt to any expectations, being it negative or positive.

Naples gives zero fucks on what we think about it, on whether or not we agree with its cultural and traditional schemes. Naples has the ability to show our shallowness on thinking a city, or a people for that matter, would change its ways just to adapt to our vision of the so-called civilised world.

If you get mad because of the Neapolitan chaotic traffic or its general inefficiency, maybe it’s time you face the fact that your energy should be spent where it’s needed: on improving yourself. What are you doing today to improve life around you?

Naples is raw so maybe try to be warmer to yourself and others. And this is more or less the lesson one has to learn in this city.

Because its toughness is also the source of its brilliance and authenticity. Naples is the stuff of artists and poets: it won’t force you to stay but it will cast you a spell before you leave!