On my first trip to Rome, I was terrified of the city because I was almost hit by a motorino on the sidewalk.
Sidewalks, riding the wrong way down one way streets, holding umbrellas while driving in the rain, cell phones jammed into helmets for a cheap handsfree solution? I’ve seen it all.
But, when I’m not terrified of crossing the street in front of them, I have to admit that the idea of Vespas and motorbikes is pretty much as Italian as it gets.
Except of course when you throw in a tricolore helmet that looks just like the Italian flag.
I had to take a picture of him coming, and going.
Oh, the driving on the sidewalks? Just another thing that shocked me in the early days and now I hardly even notice!
haha, so true! I don’t think twice about it any more, but I still give scooter drivers the stink eye to make sure they stop when I’m crossing the street!
Rome was very overwhelming for my first location in Italy but it really helped me ease into city spaces like Florence and Venice. I appreciated these slower cities more so because of the fast and vast city of Rome.
The Wanderfull Traveler
That’s a great way to look at it. Rome was my final stop after Venice and Florence, so I think I was a little frazzled by the end.
Haha I understand this fear all to well. In Milan it wasn’t uncommon to see a car coming straight at you on a narrow sidewalk
Oh wow! The cars generally stay off the sidewalk here. Unless, of course, they are looking for a parking space.
I have been away from my computer so a bit late catching up on some of your posts. Congratulations on finishing your last exam, will you be staying in Italy now you have completed Grad school.
I love his helmet and the nuns baseball caps, as for the new brand of cocacola 🙂
Thank you! I hope you’ve been enjoying a computer-free summer break 🙂
It is always a small hassle with extending visa and permesso, but I’ll be sticking around!