Italy was in the news this week. A mayor was brutally murdered with nine shots in broad daylight, from a short distance. Most likely an act of the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia. It is sad to hear that another good person has lost its life in his battle to fight the organized crime in Italy. It is even more sad to know that the Italian people in that area cry, not only because they have lost a loved one, but also out of desperation.
Desperation because Angelo Vassallo, the mayor of a small town called Pollica, brought them hope and is now taken from them. Hope that one man, coming from a humble background was able to change something in a climate of corruption. Who was brave enough to put his life and the lives of his loved ones on the line. Who was standing up for all those common Italian people that are totally fed up with all the crime in their beautiful region of Campania. The average Italian person does not want Italy to be associated with the mafia. There is nothing 'romantic' about mafia, like TV series and movies like 'The Godfather' would like to make you believe. Mafia is terror. Even though good results are being booked sometimes, fighting the mafia is like taking one step forward and ten steps back. You have to be willing to sacrifice everything and everybody that you love. Hopefully another courageous person will stand up again soon, but it is almost seems too much to ask for...
Another disaster struck the region of Campania as well last week. A big mudslide swept over the picturesque town of Atrani, on the famous Amalfi Coast. Destroying everything in its way, the mud stream blew out a door of a bar and took a 25-year girl that was working there. Police and army are still looking for the girl on land and in the sea. Being a mother myself, I cannot imagine what the parents of the girl must go through right now; I can just wish them all the strength they obviously need.
Forces of nature and mafia... in this modern world we seem to be doing miracles sometimes, but apparently there are still things that are beyond our control.
Yes, this is the exact same region that I am taking off to today and I am looking forward to it. Because I found people there that are pure, honest and very hospitable. It is the region of Caruso, Sophia Loren, Bernini, Scarlatti, Roberto Saviano and Pulcinella! It is a very complex region, a 'crazy' region and it has an absolute stunning beauty... I will post as much as I can this coming week, depending on Internet access, the weather and the ENEL (the Italian Electricity Provider :-)). Love, M.
