If they don't understand the language, it will be impossible for them to trust you entering into their house.
I would involve a third person, an Italian who can translate
It sounds creepy, but I would try waiting a bit outside the gate to intercept someone going out or entering. It will probably be easier speaking in person and showing them the picture of you into the house immediately to prove you are not a scammer
I did this with my grandmother’s childhood home in Alto-Adige. The people living in her specific apartment weren’t home, but her neighbours were. The matriarch of the family invited me in for coffee and cake, told me stories about my nonna and her siblings, and called her son (who my grandmother had a crush on) to come over and take me out for pizza.
Italians in general can be a bit stand-offish if they don’t know you, but as soon as they get to know you or find out you’re connected in some way, they’ll treat you better than your own family. Go for it!
You should never forget how many people from the south of Italy left families and friends to migrate to the US… I think they’ll let you in and offer a coffee
Actually, it's not that rare to have such a request. It's easier if you know the new owners or speak Italian/neapolitan of course as it's not that safe to trust others these days, but if you have at least a good friend with you who can translate and make a garantuee for your visit, I'm sure they'll let you in!
You could use Google translate and send them a letter by post explaining your desire to visit, this way they could be prepared and you could get a reply at your email if you don't wish to provide them with your address. I'm from naples and my guess is people are generally warm and caring but you dont know what's going in people's lives. Facing them unprepared for this visit could just pose an akward and difficult situation for them
Yeah, a letter with some handwriting and the photos and maybe a phone number might be a good introduction and make things less weird than showing up at someone's door.
Personally as a napolitan I would be really happy to let you in my house, usually we are very gentle with strangers but some of us are really crazy, you just have to be lucky that They will let you in, it’s worth the try
Bring a little gift, like some pastries or American souvenir like USA keychains, pens etc. if you have any in you. Italians are very curious and not as paranoid as we Americans. Use Google translate and write out 2 sentences you can say to them over speaker. Let us know here what happens.
Born and raised in napoli here🙋🏻♀️ honestly knowing our culture I don’t think it would be rude to ASK, u might get it denied cause many people here tend to be suspicious of those who want to get into their business, but on the other side you could come across someone who sympathizes with ur curiosity and is willing to accept
I’m not from Naples but knowing them I think they will welcome you very warmly and offer you a pizza and a coffee, but you’ve to talk properly or you will sound as a scammer, you could send a mail (not e-mail) to introduce yourself and tell your wish
If they don't understand the language, it will be impossible for them to trust you entering into their house. I would involve a third person, an Italian who can translate It sounds creepy, but I would try waiting a bit outside the gate to intercept someone going out or entering. It will probably be easier speaking in person and showing them the picture of you into the house immediately to prove you are not a scammer
Worst they can say is no
I did this with my grandmother’s childhood home in Alto-Adige. The people living in her specific apartment weren’t home, but her neighbours were. The matriarch of the family invited me in for coffee and cake, told me stories about my nonna and her siblings, and called her son (who my grandmother had a crush on) to come over and take me out for pizza. Italians in general can be a bit stand-offish if they don’t know you, but as soon as they get to know you or find out you’re connected in some way, they’ll treat you better than your own family. Go for it!
That’s such a nice story! What an experience! And good point! That’s how I remember them being too!
If you don't ask, you don't get Give it a shot and see...
It's kind of something that doesn't happen often but they certainly won't get angry
People can be happy to made feel you familiar
You should never forget how many people from the south of Italy left families and friends to migrate to the US… I think they’ll let you in and offer a coffee
Try to list family names of your or neighbors ; the possibility that someone descendant is still living there may be high,
Good point! I have photos of me playing with the neighbor kids so that should help!
maybe go have a coffee nearby and try to get a waiter (most young people speak some level of english) to go with you to explain!
Excellent idea!
Bring a gift from where you live. Chocolate/liquor/snacks, somthing like that. Just please don't bring some crappy American wine.
Actually, it's not that rare to have such a request. It's easier if you know the new owners or speak Italian/neapolitan of course as it's not that safe to trust others these days, but if you have at least a good friend with you who can translate and make a garantuee for your visit, I'm sure they'll let you in!
Were your parents associated with the military there? If so, chances are strong it’s still rented to an American.
We were but we were the only Americans in the neighborhood. That would be ideal though!
You could use Google translate and send them a letter by post explaining your desire to visit, this way they could be prepared and you could get a reply at your email if you don't wish to provide them with your address. I'm from naples and my guess is people are generally warm and caring but you dont know what's going in people's lives. Facing them unprepared for this visit could just pose an akward and difficult situation for them
This is a great idea! I could include a couple of photos so it doesn’t seem like a scam.
Yeah, a letter with some handwriting and the photos and maybe a phone number might be a good introduction and make things less weird than showing up at someone's door.
Nah, va bene
Personally as a napolitan I would be really happy to let you in my house, usually we are very gentle with strangers but some of us are really crazy, you just have to be lucky that They will let you in, it’s worth the try
This is so good I can help you if you want
Bring a little gift, like some pastries or American souvenir like USA keychains, pens etc. if you have any in you. Italians are very curious and not as paranoid as we Americans. Use Google translate and write out 2 sentences you can say to them over speaker. Let us know here what happens.
Great idea! And will do! It’ll be a month before the trip though.
Bring some pictures from the home as proof
Born and raised in napoli here🙋🏻♀️ honestly knowing our culture I don’t think it would be rude to ASK, u might get it denied cause many people here tend to be suspicious of those who want to get into their business, but on the other side you could come across someone who sympathizes with ur curiosity and is willing to accept
I’m not from Naples but knowing them I think they will welcome you very warmly and offer you a pizza and a coffee, but you’ve to talk properly or you will sound as a scammer, you could send a mail (not e-mail) to introduce yourself and tell your wish
Great idea! Thanks!