Tags
Colosseum, Europe, European Tour, Florence, Italian Wishlist, Italy, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Roman, Rome, Rubicon, Souvenir, Statue of David, Venetian Mask, Venice
Wow, with England and France done at this point of the Euro Tour, this will probably be one of the busiest legs of the trip! There’s just soooo much to do in Italy. Every city has something unique about it that is a must-see. I can’t wait to see Rome, Venice, Pisa, shoot… I could go on and on!
What: Coliseum, aka Amphitheatrum Flavium Where: In the heart of Rome, Italy Why: This is perhaps the greatest work of the Roman Empire’s engineering. Built by Emperor Vespasian and finished by Emperor Titus, both of whom had the same family name, Flavius, where the coliseum derived its name from. This is a must-see during my trip, and as NWA knows well, I need to punch him in order to cross off an entry on my bucket list. What: The Leaning Tower of Pisa Where: Pisa, Italy Why: The Leaning Tower of Pisa is famed around the world. It’s one of those pictures that says “Yep, I’m in Europe.” This bell tower of the nearby cathedral is also the source of many comedic pictures employing a bit of forced perspective by trying to push the tower upright. You can bet that we’ll be trying our hand at getting a funny shot of this. What: The Canals of Venice Where: Venice, Italy Why: These gorgeous (and possibly smelly) canals are legendary. I remember a couple of James Bond flicks that took place here. I can’t wait to drive down the waterways! Ooh! And I totally have to get in a gondola too (preferably with one of the cute locals.) What: Pantheon Where: Rome, Italy Why: Since I probably won’t get a chance to visit the Parthenon in Greece this time around, I think it would be a good opportunity to get a little taste of what I’m going to be missing out on by seeing the Roman Pantheon. The difference between the two temples is easily distinguishable. The Greek Parthenon is dedicated to Athena, goddess of Wisdom and War while the Roman Pantheon is dedicated to all the Roman gods and goddesses. What: Statue of David Where: Florence, Italy Why: Possibly the most famous statue in the world. Created by Michaelangelo. I’ve seen the duplicate at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas… but somehow, I don’t think that one’ll stand up when compared to the real thing. What: Crossing the Rubicon Where: Between the towns of Rimini and Cesena Why: As a huge enthusiast of history, particularly of the Roman Empire, I’d like to get some insight as to what Gaius Julius Caesar must have felt when he defied his enemies and crossed the red river with his legion, effectively initiating the Roman Civil War and taking him down his path of glory. The term “Crossing the Rubicon” has forever after become an idiom for “Passing the Point of No Return.” Italian Souvenirs of Choice For La Signora: A tasteful Venetian Mask will allow the ladies to feel like they’ve been to a Renaissance Masked Ball and bring out the charm and grace in them (we hope.) It’ll be a very elegant centerpiece reminding you of the sights and sounds of the Italian Peninsula. For Il Signore: Well, I know for a fact that my buddy, NWA, is planning to get a suit tailored for himself. While I have my concerns as to how much this will end up costing, I really do want to get one for myself also, so long as it doesn’t drain me of my adventure fund, that is. Besides, getting a suit tailored for yourself in Italy is like learning to woo women from Casanova himself. And if this doesn’t pan out, you could always go for that Ferrari Key Chain…