When I was in Italy, twenty things necessary to Sitting around the table one night after a few bottles of Chianti with some old friends, most of whom had spent time as European tour guides and backpackers, I asked them to name the best thing to do or see any staying in Italy. There was much discussion as some have tried hard to hire the less obvious things in the most ordinary, but there was too much of a unanimous agreement for others. In no particular order, may I present the top 20 things to do in Italy as decided by my peers.
1. Piazza San Pietro Nun Watch
There is something to watch the serenity of a line of nuns on tour, especially on the days of Saint-specific, taking photos of the facade of St. Peter or trailing behind each other within the huge basilica. They are only numbers by pigeons, parents who hate their children, encourage them to sit on top of their offspring in the hope they will pick them up and fly, maybe let them fall somewhere on the forum.
2. Eating Gelati 3 times per day
This is mandatory for those who travel during the months of June, July and August How the Italians get so creamy, tasty and dribbly beyond me, but you never feel full. This is the best thing after a long hot day in line for hours to see all these wonderful works. It is composed of all natural ingredients that everyone claims to have the best ice cream shop in Italy that is credible, but some go even further, experimenting with weird flavors such as tomato and basil believe it or not.
3. Holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa
You have all seen. The obligatory photo of someone and their fellow prisoners to the Tower of Pisa, either with a finger or two hands. Probably the best thing next to climbing, which is someone going to do in Pisa. And it kept in the cheapest thing out there.
Cars 4. Dodge Rome
After parachuting in Switzerland and Czech Republic by taxi which probably the activity most THRILLS you can do in Europe. To cross the road, you keep walking, make sure you keep eye contact with an oncoming driver, like a bullfighter and move on. Cars and bikes are very close, in fact, never touch you as you continue.
5. Parking on a Kerb
Everybody does.
6. Singing a duet with a gondolier
It can not be the next Pavarotti, but your gondolier should have a voice good enough. They know all the classics and makes the experience even more authentic. They usually ask for a small service charge above the rental price. The best time is around dusk as the lights come to make reflections in the water, add to the atmosphere.
7. Spending time with the pope on Wednesday
Tourists, religious, priests, people and herds pigeons in Piazza San Pietro for the weekly address of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at around 10am. Then you can check inside the basilica and the crypt where St. Peter's remains are kept.
8. Checking out David Ae
You can pay online and to see the original within the Academy, where he was shifted to the end of 1800 to protect it from vandals and the elements. Or you could look at his copy of near Piazza Signoria free, or you can climb up above the Ponte Vecchio to see the status bronze version at the Piazza Michelangelo. Or you can see all three and make a comparison.
9. Drinking wine and watching the sunset in Cinque Terre
There is something unique about sitting on the rocks next to where the fishing boats pull up, dancing along the lanterns son around the crack in the sea breeze, listening to a guy practicing his baritone opera by an open window.
Posted on May 2, 2010.
