Our tour of Italy started in Venice. I wasn't feeling all that great. As a matter
of fact, I was downright sick. When everyone went off to check out the city,
I sat in St. Mark's Square at a little cafe. (An expensive little cafe I might
add.) As I sat there trying to avoid looking completely miserable, sipping on
my coke, making it last as long as possible, some Italian girls sat down next
to me. I don't remember who initiated the conversation but I did my best to
talk to these women. Even in sickness I would not pass up a chance to hit on
some beautiful Italian women. Between their non-existent English, my non-existent
Italian, but kind-of-close Spanish, I either told them they where very beautiful
... or they tasted really good. Somehow I think their giggling and whispers
to each other were due to my bad Italian rather than my charm.
Next we went to Rome.
Rome was cool. A big city. I felt at home in one sense, but a little uncomfortable
after the serenity of Itter and St. Goar. The Spanish Steps were packed with
people sitting and enjoying the beautiful day. The Trevi Fountain must be seen
to be believed. The first night we found a little cafe off of the Piazza Navona.
Here I had the best pasta dish I've ever had. Damn that was good. I am also
confident it was probably the most unhealthy plate of pasta I have consumed
as well. The collision of ancient ruins and modern city was more evident here
than in any other city. Even with my cold going into my 2nd and 3rd days I still
enjoyed everything we had time for. The one thing that impressed me the most:
The Sistine Chapel. Pictures and words cannot do it justice. If you are ever
in Rome, go. And mind the security guard clapping slowly three times followed
by a loud, shrill "ssssshhhh."
We ended our Italian
days in Florence. This is the city in which I felt most comfortable. As modern
as this city was, it was the small town feel that the residents and shop owners
had that made me feel like this was a city where I could live. Interestingly
enough I ran into a resident of Florence originally from Venice, California.
(A beach town I still frequent). Michelangelo's David is another work of art
pictures do not accurately depict. It is truly astounding. Impressive in such
a way, that other people who have seen it, only shake their heads in comprehension
when I speak of it. It was also in Florence that I had the hardest alcohol I've
ever had. We went to a Tuscan Dinner, complete with multiple courses and live
Italian Opera singing. There is a alcohol made by monks in the hills around
Florence. It is apparently very expensive. I had a shot of this golden liqourice-flavored
elixir. Any wine I had previously drunk was completely evaporated after a shot
of that stuff. How something so evil could be made by monks confuses me. I believe
I ended up more sober after it than before. However, this did not stop me from
having a fantastic time at this dinner.
I understand why people
fall in love with Italy.
