Some deep thinking Neapolitans asked for my opinion recently.
Some of the questions asked:
1. If there was one thing that Naples needed to save what would it be?
My answer: the spirit of the people. It's what makes Naples the city that it is.
2. How would you compare the city of Bangkok and the city of Naples?
Bangkok is still a city of the third world. Naples, in my experience, is one of the few cities in Europe to be a third world city. Bangkok however the capital of a country that has never been colonised. Thailand has always retained its independence. Naples however has been constantly conquered and ruled by different groups - the Moors, the Greeks, Spanish, Austrians..the city is full of the legacy, influence, memory and blood of each group. Bangkok is a city that is very quickly changing. Naples changes incredibly slowly and reluctantly.
3. Would you agree that Australia is a country without soul?
With some 40 million years of Aboriginal history, a unique natural landscape and an incredible patchwork multicultural society made up of some 190 different nationalities I had to disagree.
What do you think?
Monday, 31 July 2006
Opinions
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1 comment:
Without soul? well, we are only a 200 year old country really - from a white point of view. No long tumultuous history...but we are a proud and rather moral bunch who cherish our BBQs and our footy and our right to a fair go. That's our style - and our soul is linked to that style...simple, unaffected and egalitarian.
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