Sorry I have not posted here lately.I didn’t even realize it has been ten days. I have been doing a lot of editing of my book and have been busy with other things, like everyone else. No excuses.
So many of you have expressed an interest in my brother’s recovery after his bike accident that I have told him he has a fan club. He is very appreciative of the support. I am happy to report that Rick, whom I will be traveling with to Italy this fall, along with my sister-in-law Monica, has been making progress. Still wearing a sling, he manages to get his exercise in, even if it is not on a bicycle. He reports to me that he is now walking eight miles a day or more, plus doing five miles on a recumbent bike at the gym. I had better kick it into high gear to keep up with him in September.
Some news in Italy has gotten my attention since it affects travelers to Rome and Venice. For anyone traveling to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, you may be interested in knowing that now they are providing thirty minutes of free Wi-Fi access. The catch is that it is through Boingo and only AT&T customers will be able to access this service.
I had to smile as I read this news story about Venice because it totally reflects their feelings about tourists to their beloved city.
I love Venice but so do twenty millions tourists a year and many of the Venetians have moved away since they believe the tourists are ruining their city. This has been especially an issue with the mega cruise ships blocking the views and upsetting the ecosystem of the lagoon. Here is their latest attempt to act nice but let visitors know what is appreciated and what is not. The city of Venice is launching its campaign titled, “Venice Yours Too – Respect It.” This is basically a list of ten things they suggest for travelers to blend in with the locals. In other words, ten rules they would like us to follow.
Their suggestions include reminders not to feed the pigeons in St Mark’s Square and not to walk around in bathing suits. They would also like travelers to help pick up trash and not to buy knock-off items from street vendors. The guidelines will be posted around the city and printed in seven different languages. Apparently proper tourist etiquette is not being followed and the Venice authorities believe they will get their message across with charm rather than a list of rules. Only time will tell, but I doubt if anyone is ever going to stop feeding the pigeons in Piazza San Marco.
itllbdifferentnathousandyears
Hi! Margie, the way I look at it is; the local Venetians have great advice for most of the world.
We should ALWAYS have respect for the people who’s town we are visiting (respect is part of the missing element in the world today) and use common sense while we are there.
And rarely do individuals in society have bodies that qualify to be in a bathing suit at poolside, let alone running all over the city they are visiting …lol ( I say these things in “my humble opinion only!” 🙂
imarancher
Dear Thousand Years, At least some travelers have good sense. Your “humble opinion” is respected by all sensible people. Had to comment, sorry Margie! Bonnie D.
itllbdifferentnathousandyears
Thanks for the kind words Bonnie (the rancher lady.. 🙂 PS I’m also known as a “Tikiman” Greg
imarancher
As someone we both know might say, “I am keeping an eye on you!”
Anonymous
I would be “wise” to straightenup and flie “right
imarancher
Many people think of pigeons as flying rats. I always thought of them as smart survivors. No likelihood of their going extinct anytime soon. As for helping to pick up the trash, why not? Be good to your environment as you are the one who is going to reap the benefit. And don’t let me catch you tossing wrappers out the window. Big trouble Buddy!
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