09 January 2004
From Florence, and because I just couldn't resist the internet. Then again, it wasn't a very difficult choice. It was either: hide out in the computer lab and go on the net OR go to a lecture. Tough choice, eh?
Florence. I am sad to say that I would much rather be back in America.
I can't help but compare it with another European city that is, I suppose, in somewhat the same category: Paris. I find Florence much lacking. Of course, Florence is smaller. And of course, Florence is mainly for 'arts and culture'. There are many 'of course's one could find in comparing the two, but suffice to say, they are the two I have chosen to compare.
Perhaps it is my natural affection for the French. I have always thought it a beautiful language, and although I know the common perception that they are snobs, I like the people. When I was there, I found the citizens (excepting one who was insufferably rude to my sister and the waitstaff of a restaurant who served us excessively slow) lovely. There was an older gentleman who would not stop until I had found fish in the supermarket, barring language barrier. His kindness is one I will never forget. I think that France is like the United States, in that the citizens who are in contact with the tourists are on the whole, much ruder than the general population. And people just made sweeping generalizations based just on their experience as a tourist.
Now, I have never heard anything about Italians being rude, but I find that they are, in correlation with my theory on contact with tourists=rudeness. The reception desk at my hotel is absolutely unpardonable. There has been, in general, one frazzled lady and one man who have sat behind the desk. Both, when I call them from my room with questions, answer one question, and I barely hear a "good-bye" before I hear the dialtone.
And the hotel is ridiculous in their "one key per room policy." I have a roommate and we have very different schedules, which means that we both need a key to get in our room at different times. However, this hotel refuses to allow more than one key per room. I cannot understand this. Pure silliness. Or cheapness.
On the whole, I find Florence, as I recently wrote in an e-mail to a friend, soulless. It is a shell, a beautiful shell, which holds nothing, no charm, no joie de vivre, no warmth. All it holds now is tourists, and a pandering government. Where is the real Italy? Where are the real Italian foods? Most likely in the rural areas, which we won't be able to visit while here.
I will write more, if you're interested.
Now that I look back on the entry, it is much negativity of Italy. I did intend this, but there are good aspects to this country as well. The pastries. And little sandwiches at the snack bars. That's about it.
I will (fingers crossed) be back Sunday afternoon. Hope all my darlings are doing well, especially A. I miss everyone terribly!
Florence. I am sad to say that I would much rather be back in America.
I can't help but compare it with another European city that is, I suppose, in somewhat the same category: Paris. I find Florence much lacking. Of course, Florence is smaller. And of course, Florence is mainly for 'arts and culture'. There are many 'of course's one could find in comparing the two, but suffice to say, they are the two I have chosen to compare.
Perhaps it is my natural affection for the French. I have always thought it a beautiful language, and although I know the common perception that they are snobs, I like the people. When I was there, I found the citizens (excepting one who was insufferably rude to my sister and the waitstaff of a restaurant who served us excessively slow) lovely. There was an older gentleman who would not stop until I had found fish in the supermarket, barring language barrier. His kindness is one I will never forget. I think that France is like the United States, in that the citizens who are in contact with the tourists are on the whole, much ruder than the general population. And people just made sweeping generalizations based just on their experience as a tourist.
Now, I have never heard anything about Italians being rude, but I find that they are, in correlation with my theory on contact with tourists=rudeness. The reception desk at my hotel is absolutely unpardonable. There has been, in general, one frazzled lady and one man who have sat behind the desk. Both, when I call them from my room with questions, answer one question, and I barely hear a "good-bye" before I hear the dialtone.
And the hotel is ridiculous in their "one key per room policy." I have a roommate and we have very different schedules, which means that we both need a key to get in our room at different times. However, this hotel refuses to allow more than one key per room. I cannot understand this. Pure silliness. Or cheapness.
On the whole, I find Florence, as I recently wrote in an e-mail to a friend, soulless. It is a shell, a beautiful shell, which holds nothing, no charm, no joie de vivre, no warmth. All it holds now is tourists, and a pandering government. Where is the real Italy? Where are the real Italian foods? Most likely in the rural areas, which we won't be able to visit while here.
I will write more, if you're interested.
Now that I look back on the entry, it is much negativity of Italy. I did intend this, but there are good aspects to this country as well. The pastries. And little sandwiches at the snack bars. That's about it.
I will (fingers crossed) be back Sunday afternoon. Hope all my darlings are doing well, especially A. I miss everyone terribly!