AN AFFAIR WITH ITALY
Italy is unlike the romance you’ll have with Paris. She is more exciting, racy and someone you’d want to drink with in a tavern. Leave the wines for your French romance, and get down with the Italian diva with a few birras. Being bold comes naturally to this European gem. Have a look around and you’ll find imperial structures standing unapologetically, bragging about their glorious era. They seem dilapidated, but that doesn’t stop them from being proud of their past. And her people take as much pride in them. So much so, that they’ve built a modern lifestyle around these structures. Housed within these Roman structures are designer brands like Mango, Zara, Sephora and more. Trust the Italians to make everything look fashionable.
The other aspect where Italy excels is in its food. While you’ll be happy 'people-watching' at a sidewalk café, the food will soon make you forget all of that. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you forget the people and gorge over those risottos, pizzas and tiramisus. Italy has a way of charming you. It makes you feel richer even without spending a penny. Now while Italy can keep you busy with her allure, there are a few attractions that deserve your attention. Some live up to the hype, while some just pale in comparison. Here’s what we experienced while travelling across this beauty.
SOMETHING’S AMISS ABOUT VENICE
Mr. Wayfarer: “This boat’s sinking”. Mrs. Wayfarer: “We’re in the same boat”.
Yes folks, we’re talking about Venice. It’s touted as being one of the most romantic places on earth, but sadly it isn’t. The fact that there was a thunderstorm when we were there didn’t help the experience. You start your journey by ferrying your way through murky waters towards St. Mark’s square. And the moment you get off, you’re greeted with a sea of tourists you’ll find in any flea market. Venice in many ways is just that – a fancy flea market with trinkets at every stall. The most interesting part about Venice is not the Gondola ride but the narrow lanes lined with beautiful cafés. There is more character here than what's found in the waters. Before we got there, we went ahead to see the Murano Glass demonstration. Now we remember seeing a documentary somewhere about the same, and we were excited to see it live. What we got instead was a 2-minute commercial followed by them hard-selling us the glassware. Maybe the experience at Murano Island would be a better bet. Now coming to the famous Gondola ride. Truth be told, it didn’t feel romantic or surreal. Barring a couple of corners, all you get to see are buildings, which have lost its sheen – by that we mean character. The fact that the water is mucky doesn’t help either. And even before we could finish our ride, it started pouring, so we were asked to get off immediately. Would it have been a better experience in good weather? Perhaps, but we don’t think that would have made a world of a difference. There’s something seriously amiss about Venice.
THE PLACE THAT GUARANTEES YOUR RETURN TO ROME
That’s the beautiful Trevi Fountain. There’s a ritual which says if you toss a coin in the fountain, you’re guaranteed to return to Rome. It’s a happy superstition, and yes, we did it too. Trevi Fountain is one of the world’s most famous fountains. And it is a sight to behold. There’s the turquoise blue water and a beautiful rock structure, all designed by Nicola Salvi in 1762. What once stood as a symbol of purity continues to attract people from all over the world. There is a sense of calm around the fountain. We saw the young and old enjoying Gelatos and the other half of the world taking photographs, but there’s a general sense of happiness all around. In a way, it’s the perfect backdrop for a good long conversation, as you take in the place and a hot cuppa joe too. We will be returning soon, we kinda made sure we do.
LEAN ON
The leaning tower of Pisa is a photo-stop. This means everyone who comes here does just that. We suggest, get there and get over that first. Because you can’t get to Pisa and not photograph it. But once you’re satisfied with what you’ve got, take a minute to admire this masterpiece. You can continue to look at that slant and just marvel at how it came into being. It's absolutely genius and a true wonder of the world. We suggest, settle down with a refreshing drink (it can get really hot in the summers) and admire it. And on your way out, get a miniature souvenir to take back with you.
MAIN EVENT FT. GLADIATORS
Yes, we’re talking about the Colosseum. Now unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to see it from the inside, but then we do plan to do it soon. But even from the outside it looks colossal. It was the largest amphitheatre ever built. Now many of you already know that it staged gladiator fights in its day, but in the years that followed, it was also staged dramatic reenactments of classical stories of the Roman empire. It stands imperial right in the centre of the city, almost like a symbol of pride. Italy, in fact, has the most number of UNESCO Heritage sites in the world, a testimony to the glorious structures it has seen over the centuries. The Colosseo, as it’s called, remains one of its highlights.
MEET RAPHAEL AND MICHELANGELO
Italy is blessed with the holy trinity of Raphael, Da Vinci and Michelangelo. But Raphael and Michelangelo hold a special place, and are the most celebrated ones. If you need any proof of this, visit the Piazza Della Signoria at Florence. You’ll see what we mean. An L-shaped square that was the centrepoint of Florence. One of the most impressive town halls of Tuscany is thriving with tourists and statues all around. It also houses the famous Florence Cathedral and Saint John Baptistery, where in every corner sits a story of the old Gods. Even when you look beyond the history, Florence has a lot more to offer. There’s something wonderful about Florence that engulfs you. No wonder it was the capital at one point. Florence though, is best seen walking. After you’ve gorged on another Gelato, walk into one of your favourite stores just for the experience. We walked into a Moleskine store to see special edition copies done by artists, and with our favourite fictional characters too. Florence will make you feel at home, not the familiar kind, but somewhere you think you’ll truly belong.
Italy offered so much, and yet we cannot wait to come back and have more of it. Especially Rome, Florence and Amalfi. Next time around, we think we’ll need a month or so to truly do justice to this beautiful country. But this affair has just begun, and it will be the one to remember.