#badrep

Now, this is a topic I’ve been wanting to talk about for some time now. I’ve heard it over and over again. Maria has gotten frustrated with all the comments here and there from family, friends, and strangers. Today, I am going to talk about the “OMG, you’re in Naples, hide your money, hide our gold, hide you everything...”Okay, first things first, yes this is a HUGE city. 

There are crimes that happen every day, just like in any other big city. That is a given. However, Naples has the reputation of being a horrible, crime city. Pick pockets, gun shots, break ins, etc etc. I’ve heard countless times, don’t wear this, don’t bring that, should I wear my wedding ring? I mean, really?! Did you take this precaution in the other cities you have visited in Italy, let alone Europe? Okay, I know, it happens, but why is Naples the one everyone talks about?

I’ve been here for a year and some days. It took a lot getting used to this huge, noisy city. Naples is a beautifully, imperfect Italian city with historic buildings and landscapes. Yes, crimes do happen here, like I said. People, especially tourists, need to do better research before judging or simply just come experience it for yourself. There are, like any other city, good and bad areas to be in. You won’t find me in certain areas after dark. But, HELLO, that’s everywhere. When I lived in Gastonia, NC, USA, there were many areas I didn’t ever want to go, day or night. All I am saying is, Naples get the shit end of the stick when it deserves so much more.

Like I stated, I have been here officially over a year now, I have walked, rode the metro, hopped on the bus, and literally walked all the way home across the city in the dark, with two other females. NOTHING HAPPENED. Now, I am definitely not saying it can’t or won’t ever happened. All I am saying is, I am alive, never been shot at, pick pocketed, or even talked to in a wrong way. The citizens of Naples that I have had the pleasure of meeting or talking to have all treated me like I was one of them. I can walk up the street to go to the store by myself and they help me or simply talk and make sure I get what I needed. I dislike how this beautiful, lively city has such a bad reputation when it is complete opposite.