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Become It
To buzz around Rome on a scooter is not the life-threatening experience some would describe. At all. You just have to be sharp and watchful and submit yourself to the Roman rules of the road. You can't wimp out . You have to "become that thing" -- a Roman road warrior. That means you have to make those Roman car and scooter drivers be scared of you a little bit, but you have to do it with a laugh and a chuckle.
I have never felt quite so particularly thrilled as I have after scooting around that city. It's glorious. It's almost like taking part in the chariot race in Ben-Hur. A Rome-residing HE reader named "Nola" implied yesterday that the Roman streets are full of Stephen Boyds with metal knife blades sticking out of their chariot wheels. As Jake La Motta would say, "That's in yo' mind!" I've never run into that at all.
Even my late sister, a disabled woman who hid indoors for most of her life, fell in love with the experience.
Posted by Jeffrey Wells on June 27, 2008 at 1:06 PM
comment #1
shanes
says ...
Amen brother. Two wheels in any foreign country isn't for the faint of heart or spirit...but there are infinitely more dangerous endeavors tourists willingly and voluntarily sign up for. Parasailing anyone? I've got many memorable moments scootering my way around caribbean and pacific islands. I'll trust my life and limb to my instincts and focus way before handing it over to some local lothario who is usually distracted by the buxom blonde two people behind me in line.
Posted by shanes
at June 27, 2008 1:26 PM
comment #2
Edward
says ...
I've never two-wheeled in Rome or any other European city, but I did learn that when crossing a street in Rome when they flash their lights it means you're in my sights....
Posted by Edward
at June 27, 2008 1:32 PM
comment #3
nola
says ...
Ciao it's Nola.
I agree with Jeff that riding on a scooter is one of the most glorious ways to see the Rome. However, Italian drivers are crazy. I say this with love. Really. When I am with one particular Italian friend and he is screaming at all the "stronzi" (shithead) drivers I'm cracking up until I realize he is talking to me with only one hand on the bike and looking back at me while he talks. The other hand is waving in the air as he talks. I say "please look at the road". His response? "Relax. You are very American." ha.
At some point I will buy a scooter and like Jeff said become a Roman road warrior. I think I can do. I have already survived dealing with Telcom Italia to set up my Internet.
Posted by nola
at June 28, 2008 12:51 AM
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