So here's the deal...

Trip Start May 16, 2006
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Trip End Jun 13, 2006


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Wednesday, May 24, 2006

We've been in Riomaggiore, one of the towns in the Cinque Terre region north of Rome, for the past couple of days, with sporadic and expensive internet access and no picture uploading. We came back to Rome today to visit the Forums tomorrow morning and get some pictures of the oculus in the Pantheon (more on that later). However, since I had loads of free time on the trains over that span, I've been working on my list about Things People Tell You Are True About Italy That Aren't.

1. Myth: Hordes of gypsy children will pick your pockets while in Rome. They have all sorts of cunning tricks, but they are a threat and you should hide all your money in some sort of strange pouch under your clothes.

Reality: They may exist, but we've been to almost every major tourist spot in Rome now, and not seen a one. And you'd think a swarm of children would be hard to miss. In fact, no one has seemed very inclined to try and steal anything, possibly because we actually pay attention to the whereabouts of our money.

2. Myth: Europeans don't believe in deoderant.

Reality: I have no insight into their true feelings on the matter, but many crowded subway rides later, I can avow that personal hygiene seems fine.

3. Myth: Americans are the worst tourists.

Reality: Americans are the loudest, and arguably the most clueless, but the French seem to be the rudest, and are in the running for the loudest. British and Americans are tied for the most obscenely large amount of luggage.

4. Random fact: There seem to be no cats in Rome. Maybe they're wherever the packs of gypsy children are. There are, however, many, many cute and well-behaved puppies.

5. Myth: Every other person has a Vespa.

Reality: Smart cars are a big thing, as are motorcycles/bikes. Scooters are down the list. I read somewhere that the government issued a tax credit or something for giving up Vespas to help the pollution awhile back, but I haven't verified that.

6. Italians are so well-dressed, no matter what you do you'll feel sloppy.

Reality: They are somewhat better dressed than their American counterparts, especially the young men. However, dressing in business casual with nice shoes and accessories seems to be the norm. It's doable even if you own no Prada.

7. Random fact: Yes, they *are* that into soccer. We have seen children playing nothing else, and sometimes the group includes children as young as two.

That's all for now. It has been a very, very long day. Will update on Riomaggiore and Pisa in the morning.
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