italiafile

One of the safer years for Naples New Year... only 57 casualties. Included in those are one man who blew his hand off, and a boy of 7 who was shot in the chest. Despite the lack of official fireworks, the locals bought everything they could find from the illegal fireworks makers. There is an increase in eye injuries this year. Instead of hurling rockets from windows.. which would be dangerous.... they were let off in the street, soaring to about fourth floor level before exploding in the faces of everyone who was hanging off a balcony.

80,000 people gathered in Piazza Plebiscito for the New Year, and raised a paltry 1000 euro for Asia. I am quite shocked, while feeling hugely proud of the British who have raised more than 50 million quid in a few days.

The other big news, apart from the sales starting today, is that an unemployed brickie thumped Berlusconi in Piazza Navona the other day. The PM is now sporting a huge plaster behind his ear. Asked why he did it, the brickie replied... 'Because I hate him'. Techincally he could face 7 years in prison for attacking a member of the government, but instead he has been sent home and has to sign at the local police station 3 times a week. Other politicians are outraged.