A well-known book by Raffaele La Capria was entitled “ Capri and no more Capri ”. Taking a step back in time and observing the historical-social evolution, the quality and quantity of the tourist flow in the Salotto del mondo , many free thinkers, residents and tourists would say “ no more Capri “. For many reasons. These are not nostalgic people or those who want to rhetoric.
It seems rather a fact that one verges on listening to those brief comments from many people from Capri or regulars who saw the Living room of the world yesterday (not so remote) and today. That myth made of extraordinary natural uniqueness enriched by the homage of the masters of entertainment, fashion and national and international entrepreneurship is giving way to a Living room of the World “bite and flee ”, or rather“ disposable ”.
It is not our thought to go and look for the causes or to make criticism and noise of a scandalistic, or worse, political flavor. Let’s just think about listening, living and seeing the Living room of the world .
It is probable that the increase in the flow and tourist overcrowding has sent a large part of the island into crisis causing it to lose those aspects of livability and tranquility, especially at certain times of the day or at certain times of the tourist season.
The very corners of nature, those once virgin, no longer know the peace that characterized them. The sea, for example, has become prey to fleets of boats of all sizes and origins, while the coasts of the island’s perimeter have become like pavements with double-rowed cars. There is not a single meter of sea that is not beaten by boats and yachts between July and August. Those colors of the sea often change and experience the ugliness of the inevitable localized pollution, even if “passing through” (fortunately).
On the mainland, the situation does not change. Endless lines of people to take advantage of any service, from public transport to shops.
Roads that were once suitable for quiet and limited vehicular traffic have become arteries on the verge of stroke. It was rare to hear about road accidents but today they are no longer an exception.
Chaos generates chaos, and thus problems of public order, safety, cleanliness and hygiene, control in general increase. It is a spiral, like a dog biting its own tail.
People change too. The “ gentlemen ” leave room for exhibitionists eager to walk the catwalk under the gaze of the curious. We prefer to taste only the unbridled and worldly part of Capri, throwing everything else in the bin, its culture, its history, its nature, in a word its true wealth.
“ Here under the sky of Capri ” many say that it doesn’t fit like this anymore as good as it used to be.
“See Capri and then die” perhaps because many today don’t want to go back.
It is an island that risks no longer leaving a good memory in those who see it for the first time or in those who return after so many years. Let’s not let Capri become “ no more Capri ” forever.
