Dad’s Words

Buongiorno!

Having been asked to jot down some impressions of Italy, we hope you will bear with us as we reminisce and mull over a number of our recollections of which there are many. It cannot be helped, as the very nature of Italy can only continue to evoke memory after memory.

It is difficult to write this without daydreaming of Italy as we sit inside a warm house during a wintry afternoon with the outside temperature barely at 40 degrees F. Worse yet, the stereo is loud with Italian music. All we lack is prosciutto, parmigiano cheese, and of course, vino rosso. It’s just as well we don’t have those goodies at hand, otherwise this would be a futile exercise.

Anyway, here goes:

How can anyone ever forget that scene that blasts at you as you come out of the train station in that most wonderful city — Venice. There before you is a view like no other (Alice in Wonderland) — the Grand Canal and all the water activity associated with it. It is really indescribable, and we will not attempt to do so. It is one of those instances which must be seen. This holds true whether you view for the first time or any subsequent times.

Venice continues to be almost magical. Who can forget all of the sights of San Marco Square, including listening to that beautiful music played outdoors in the evening by several small orchestras of accomplished musicians. Then there is Venice itself — a city like no other.

And who can forget your first look at Italy as you fly in over the Alps heading to Milano. All those towns at lakeside and on the hillsides, each with its buildings of red tiled roofs and white-sided walls. This holds true even when the countryside is viewed from the ground. In Tuscany, the hilltowns are most memorable by their location on hilltops and of their old architecture harkening back to Roman and Medieval eras.

I must move on, otherwise this quick reminisce will turn into a lengthy novel.

Rome is, of course, Roman. All the relics of ancient Rome keep one in awe of what was accomplished by the ancient Romans. How they were able to build all that grandeur without the modern mechanical help we have today boggles one’s mind.

Remnants of ancient Rome

Then there is that city within a city — Vatican City. Vatican City means St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, the Basilica where Arleta (mia moglie) and I were able to have a long and contemplative look at the beauty of Michelangelo’s creation the Pieta. We were there early before crowds of other tourists arrived. The size of that church is unbelievable. It’s hard to imagine a church that has a floor area of six acres. It is awesome and reverent at the same time.

At this time, because of Rome, I should note an item we will always remember about Italy, and that is the drivers. All those vehicles running crazily about and all at seemingly top speed with motor scooters whipping in and out of traffic with only what seems to be an inch and a half of clearance. Driving in Italy is not for the timid, but can be a lot of fun so long as you are not the driver. Our daughter, Melinda, drove like a true Italian.

A Cinque Cento: do you get in it or put it on?

Also impressive was the type of automobiles, most of them of necessity, small and agile. We here complain of high gas prices. What would our complaints be if we had their prices?

Who can forget Siena and its famous square where twice each year they have those suicidal horse races around the perimeter. I think of the typical Medieval towns of narrow, narrow streets where pedestrians, motor scooters, and autos all live together — that is, so long as you obey the unwritten rules. These you learn quickly, and they stay in your mind forever.

I remember the hilltown of Cortona in Tuscany where Andre Rieu performed in concert in its main piazza. It was our pleasure to sit outdoors with a drink and imagine the square filled with lovers of great music and filled with the voices of those beautiful singing voices. Incredible.

Another Italian mind boggler: the churches. So many of them, but so beautiful, both inside and outside. Some of the interiors are so beautiful that upon entering, one involuntarily stops in awe at what one sees. So much beautiful tile and stone work everywhere — and not limited to floors, but on steps, up sides of walls — like everywhere else in Italy. The cathedral in Siena has a floor that can only be described as exotic. It fits the old axiom “must be seen to be believed.” A truly unforgettable sight.

And, of course, there is the Italian cuisine. It must be tasted, never waste time describing. Eat it all — “mangia mangia!” Then top it off with that gorgeous delightful gelato.

There is so much more to be said about Italia, but that would take a novel or maybe a tome that would take a lifetime to write.

So then, to sum up…VIVA LA BELLA ITALIA!

Mario and Arleta Brovelli