Saturday, August 2

Tante Belle Cose - July08

This month, Italy is on the move. And, within all the negative information on the 14+ million people on the road for the August holidays, the skyrocketing cost of gas, train tickets at record highs, there are many good things happening in the world of transport (not least of which, the eventual sale or demise of Alitalia)…

Italy’s Eurostar – The train I love to hate has actually been recognized as the safest on the tracks, and probably the best made. The rest of Europe will soon be taking Italy’s engineering prowess to their own drawing boards.

Shame that the announcement came just days before -- in two separate incidents – two carriages split right in two whilst being towed.

The Great Italian Vespa – High gas prices in the USA have delivered great news to the Agnelli-owned Piaggio Company, makers of the illustrious Vespa. Even with the low dollar, sales are up 150%.


Of course, the Company doesn't mention that they went from selling one Vespa per year up now to three.

Rome’s Horse Carriages – Animal rights groups are partially rejoicing after trying to remove the buggies which take tourists around Rome. They won’t be removed, but, will undergo surprise checks to see that the horses are not abused, are stationed in the shade and, in the summer heat, will not be available between the hours of 13.00-17.00.

Now, if we can just get these same groups to fight for human rights and get air-conditioning on the buses between the hours of 13.00 and 17.00, they might help put an end to our misery.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Now, if we can just get these same groups to fight for human rights and get air-conditioning on the buses between the hours of 13.00 and 17.00, they might help put an end to our misery."

HAHAHAHHA!!! I'm ready & waiting to fight for THIS cause!!

Dave514 said...

With gas prices over $4 a gallon for a while at least, I've seen two brand new Smartcars but no new Piaggios let alone a Vespa. In Scottsdale you drive a scooter at your peril ---you'll be run over.

David

Irreverent Italy said...

Dave: I tried to link your videos but they don't let me! If you could please send me a link in email, I'll try again. Basically, it needs a url.
Grazie mille!