Gilbert High graduate Joe Grieco is on active US Navy duty stationed in Naples, Italy. That country is among the hardest hit by the covid-19 pandemic. He sent his observations of life in Naples for Chronicle readers.

Naples, Italy

Life in bella Napoli has become like summer without the sun.

Italy has been dealing with frightening covid-19 numbers; but as a whole, the people here have banded together and found a way to stay social and positive like the rainbow after the flood.

This is a land where people are more “people-like” than perhaps anywhere else in the world.

The restrictions, which have now been in place for 2 whole months, have hit the nation hard.

But the buoyant spirit of these people has made it a little easier to endure.

My apartment is a spacious, beautiful flat with 2 balconies and a view of Mount Vesuvius and the surrounding mountain chain.

For 2 months, all restaurants have been closed to include no carry out.

That’s a real bummer when the food here is to die for. I cook for myself and shop at the local markets.

I speak, read, write,and understand Italian quite well. Here in Naples, the people speak a unique dialect that is sometimes difficult to understand.

My family’s name Grieco, translates literally as “Greek who moved to Italy.” There are a lot of Italians with the surname Grieco or Greco throughout the country but none will tell you that they have roots in Greece.

There may have been more cases in Naples than anywhere else for a time. But that negative number didn’t break the bond between the balconies. Instead of a morning doppio espresso at the bar, old men share their shots conversing from balcony to balcony.

Police are stopping people to ensure they carry the proper documents needed to leave their residences. No one is authorized to exercise outside of the home. These rules are stringent.

I’ve traveled around the world and have witnessed \many cultures but I must say that the Italians are some of the most socially in tune, colorful and grateful people I’ve ever had the pleasure to live with.

Even when the storms of life come pouring down, they are out singing and dancing on the balconies, turning mournful frowns into smiling laughs.

My Italian neighbors sing and dance when the skies rain hardship.

Some people should take a lesson here, to be less selfish and more selfless, less panic stricken and more grateful for community.

P.S. Would you like to write for us about your adventures? Email Jerry Bellune at jerrybellune@yahoo.com