Dear Italy, I'm not sure your aware of this, but you are crazy. I've traveled to many places in the funny ole' world and you should know that you just not like the rest. Sure you have some similarities to other countries, like gravity, a sun that rises in the east, and bums begging for change to supplement their alcoholism but it just about ends there. My experience this past weekend was out of the ordinary. The people that dwell in your borders live life to a different tune. I think Zander put it best when he asked me if I thought Italians ever get tired of being Italian. It must take a lot of energy to adhere to the quirky behaviors and dress codes that make someone Italian. Your bus drivers roll through town chatting on their cell phones dressed like they're ready to head to a cocktail lounge, hotel receptionists give you change right out of their own wallets, and if you accidentally block an intersection so another car can't quite get through you get an ear full from not just one person in the opposing car but all three of them have something different to say. Three days is about all I can handle of Italy, since unlike your residents... I do get quite tired of being Italian.
So anyway thanks for the great weekend, and I hope to see you again sometime.
Yours Truly,
Ross Leder.
Every now and then life surprises you with something unforgettable. Sometimes it's that crazy night out on the town, a teacher that inspires you beyond your expectations, or even a word of profound advice from your folks that really sticks with you. My trip to Italy was one of those moments in time I will always look back at as a “wow” experience. It was one of those times when everything that could have gone wrong DIDN'T, and any expectation you had was so greatly exceeded you forgot you ever had it. It was one of those moments where everything just worked. From leaving my flat in East London (without forgetting ANYTHING) to leaving the Ciampino airport, the journey was pure enjoyment. Surrounded by quality people, an outstanding travel itinerary , comfortable accommodation, an aggressive new travel challenge and not to mention a “cool it” I almost wish the trip didn't end. Thank you to everyone who took part of the trip, it was a gas. So if you at all care about my trip, then by all means, read on...
Alexander Abrams, Michael Kaplan and I rented a car in Milan and journeyed South to Florence. On the way we stopped off in a lakeside town to crab a bite. Taking a car through this area is like the scene in the original Blues Brothers where they drive the car through a shopping mall. I actually took the car over a moat bridge and through a castle entrance. My first Italian meal was splendid, cheese and mushroom stuffed ravioli with a side of insalata mista. From there we made our way down to Florence, along the way I began to understand the principles of Italian drivers.
There are no driving rules, only suggestions
The speed limit is at least double whatever the sign says.
ALWAYS flash your brights before passing someone
NEVER trust any other car, just assume everyone else has no idea what they're doing on the road.
Parking is one big game of who can find the weirdest spot to put their car and “no parking” signs are almost always disregarded.
- Know how to brake with your engine on the down slopes, otherwise you could burn out your brakes.
If you ever need to yell at a another car from your window, make sure everyone in your car rolls down their window and participates.
Many people told us we were crazy for renting a car and driving with all those crazy Italians. Now I completely understand why, and would agree most Americans probably shouldn't do this, but if you've got the right people with you to navigate, and you're confident driving a stick then by all means do it. Driving through Italy is one of the best ways to see the country.
The best part of Florence would have to be seeing Andy Stein, I mean I lived with the guy for 2.5 years in college so it was good to see how he was holding up. In case your wondering, he was looking slick in a new Italian peacoat and some fancy leather shoes.
[Andy drinking the girliest thing he could find]
[The Gentleman of Apartment 512]
This was my second visit to Florence so I took some time to explore some alternative destinations. The Boboli gardens, the Museum of Science (which is awful), and Michaelangelo's look out. All in all it was a great day, with some exceptional food, great company and of course Gelato.
[According to Andy, best spot for Gelato in Florence, it was mighty tasty!]
[Boboli Gardens overlooking the countryside]
The drive up to Rome was truly fantastic. Michael, Zander and myself headed North to Rome on a small mountainous road stopping at any interesting down we saw along the way. We even ran into a nice Israeli couple at one of the lookout points (what the odds of that??).
A quick wine sampling at the Fattoria Di Montagliari was where we met David Migliorini who schooled us in the basics of Chianti and Italian wine making. This stuff was delicious. A quick lunch at the Villa (winery) and we headed to Siena.
Siena was one of those cities you just know is authentic. One of our oddest experiences occurred in this town. In the areas central park two cars rolled up and eight guys dressed in suits and large blue feathered caps got out and walked around the park singing songs and chatting amongst themselves. Before they returned to their vehicles one of the guys retrieves the largest bottle of vodka I've ever seen and they each take shots out of the “lotion bottle” style nozzle and they drive off. If anyone can explain this please do, it was one of the oddest scenes I've witnessed and the funniest part of it was no one else in the park seemed to care.
[The Dromo in Siena]
My time in Rome was filled with the usual tourist destinations. The whole city is one big museum. I had great time seeing the sights and my only complaint was the touristy restaurants that are difficult to avoid.
[I saw the pope speaking at the Vatican] - - Funny side story, while I'm making my way through the crowd a giant dog tried to jump at me and let out a mean bark. Prob smelled the Jew on me.
[Rome from the Spanish steps at night]
If you every find yourself in Rome, a MUST SEE is the Jewish museum. It's an absolutely stunning temple and the restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto are some the best in the city.
[From left: Glotter, Neilli, Lauren Shoulder and Me]
So that's my post for Italy, as always I try to keep it brief so I'll leave you with the Italy hot list.
Go to Siena, it's lovely.
Driving in Italy is a great idea, but bring a GPS and trust no-one on the road (see rules of the road).
“Snack bars” are everywhere and serve some of the best espresso.
GELATO, need I say more?
If your a gin fan, try a negroni. 2 parts gin, 1 part campari, and 1 part sweet vermouth garnished with a pulpy orange and served over ice.
When in Italy, talk with your hands.
McDonald's has an amazing sandwich called the Napoli, I know you shouldn't visit Italy for fast food but believe me it's worth it.
DO NOT try to eat at a restaurant with more than four people if you intend on splitting up the bill.
Restaurants in Rome will tell you anything to get you in the door, and their food normally sucks.
That's all folks,
Ciao.
~Ross Leder
