Quintessentially Italian
Time to say “Arrivederci Roma”. From the might and strength of the Roman Empire at its heyday in 117 A.D (annō Dominī) she hasn’t come through untarnished. But still there are glorious reminders of the past with eager visitors flocking to the Colosseum everyday even though the gladiators are no longer contesting.
The Forum still stands in part and still echo’s the words “Beware the Ides of March” of the soothsayer to Julius Caesar as he passed. He was to be assassinated by a group of Senators lead by Brutus on the 15thMarch 44 BC. The wondrous architecture of the Pantheon, which has to be seen to be believed. However the magnificent Roman Empire collapsed. Had the Empire spread its wings too far, run out of money, unable to convince foreigners to fight for Rome? Or had Christianity and its conservatism convinced the populous of a new way forward? Whatever the reasons, for there are many Rome was to fall into decay.
The Venetians ignored Rome, so it was not until the Renaissance was life brought back to the city. Not that Rome was the epicentre, it did however benefit from the Medici family of Florence and the magnificence of the greatest era of Arts the world has ever seen. Remember Italy was not formed as we know her today, she was sort of unified in 1861 but politics has always been messy and borders realigned after both WWI & WWII.
The Pope and Catholic Church moved from Avignon to Rome in 1377 and has been resident in Rome ever since. At the behest of the church a parcel of land in Rome where the Pope generally resided became the Vatican City in 1929, the smallest country in the world. Whilst this is not Italy the influence it has on Italy, its politics, traditions is enormous. These have held Italy back and the church is under pressure by the Millennials’ who are turning their back on traditional church values and silently seeking reform.
Rome rests on the laurels’ of its glorious past. Today the roads are badly maintained, didn’t the Romans invent roads? This makes traffic congestion even worse, and when you do get to where you ae going the parking is a nightmare. The city council also has an indifferent approach to rubbish collection, which is evident by the vast quantity of over-flowing car size street bins. Rubbish bins also compete for parking spaces. So where do all the taxes go as locals assure me they pay them?
Yet there is still a classiness and romance about Italy and Rome is part of that. Ferraris are sold to fortune-ate people around the world but Ferrari red looks better in Italy. Ducati, Dulce & Gabbana, Versace, Prada, Gucci, etc. Why do men look better in Italian suits? Maybe it’s Italian stallion wearing it. There is an elegance about Italian women that makes them stand out from the crowd. Started by Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren, the image is still there for anyone to take. I stay-away from the Via Veneto for whilst there are some superb restaurants, it is catering for many tourists and often are over-priced. Seek out restaurants where suburban dwelling Romans go. Spaghetti is rarely sought amongst the multitude of pastas available. Try the Fettuccine with Ragout alla Romana or Saltimbocca alla Romana.
Still what matters most is that Italy is an emotion and it touches you, holds you, promises you lots and will deliver if you open your heart.
Having Vespa’d my way around Rome’s chaos, lived like a local for a few days it was time to head to Malta. We bounced our way to Rome’s Fiumicino airport, hours before my flight, as you dare not leave anything to chance. However it was school holidays so the roads were quieter than usual so I arrived with plenty of time. As we pulled up a sign caught my eye. “Kiss & Go”. Only in Italy can you park outside the front of the terminal on the departure level for 15 minutes in a special “Kiss & Go” section. Note there is not enough general drop off space for the non-kissers. These paradoxes are what makes up the Italian way.
Check-in was again to sum up Italy. People and luggage everywhere going in all directions, lots of animated conversations, a scene that is played out daily. I placed my passport on the check-in counter and my brain was suddenly stumbling over the paradox which is Italy. How can a check-in uniform look so good on a women? Sure it was Italian design but this was being worn by a women who is the essence of Italy. The white blouse was a slim fit and was impressionable, accompanied by a small red bow tie. The straight classic skirt with its small split and above knee length accompanied by high heels flirted the length of her olive legs. She was Brunette, her make-up accentuated her eyes and with red lipstick that matched the small bow-tie, made this 30ish women just so elegant. My mouth moved but I was unable to put too many words together. I took my baggage claim receipt and mumbled my way to security. At the boarding gate I was teased again when she looked into my eyes, which gestured “Your Boarding Pass Mr Jones”.
My parting words were “You are just like Italy. You are beautiful”.
