naples and the south

southern italy is basically mexico with a couple of high end shops scattered throughout.

the trash problem is a bit ridiculous, but mostly effects the areas outside of naples, leaving the city to remain quite beautiful.

in southern italy all aspects of business and development are run by the kamora (the equivalent of sicily's mafia). it is a bit sad that this crime organization is the main reason for lack of progress in the area. their power and control is essential to the success of any local business because they prevent major chains from coming in and establishing themselves. although this may sound like a good thing, this part of italy is now at least thirty years behind the rest of the world. even the most high end retailers (generally fashion) are housed in buildings that look run down. there doesn't seem to be any end in sight for this stranglehold on the economy- mostly because the citizens are not motivated to make a major change (as told to me by my friend Sal).

anyway- a guy was murdered down the street from us by the kamora for some reason unknown to me.