There is a saying that all roads lead to Rome. Indeed, the first stop is a direct flight to the Italian capital, Rome.
Even if you know that Rome is the world’s most preserved ancient capital and that it is a highly developed capital of art, architecture and fashion, you will still be struck by its spectacular perfection when confronted with the Colosseum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Pantheon and other historical monuments. It is Rome’s classical heft that has made it a world-famous capital city.
The city of Florence, which emerged in the 14th century during the Renaissance, produced a number of outstanding talents. For example: Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and other artists, making Italy the cradle of literature, painting and architectural art in Europe and the world. They have made a monumental contribution to the progress of human civilisation. Some of these works have survived the storms of the millennia, but are still exquisite.
Italy is primarily a Catholic Holy Land. Architectural excellence and artistic perfection are reflected in the tall, majestic churches and bell towers. I was impressed by the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and by the architecture of St Mark’s Square in Venice. I can’t even begin to describe and express the adoration of my heart with my humble pen!
Walking around the various cultural sites, I found that smoking is allowed everywhere outside, as long as you don’t smoke indoors. All over the world, smoking is banned, but in this civilised country, not only is it not banned but you can often see cigarette butts on the ground. I was puzzled by this, coming from a city where cigarette butts don’t end up on the ground.
There is something else that is not only puzzling, but totally frightening. This was the fact that the driver could take phone calls at any time.
The driver who drove us, whom our guide said was Greek, was experienced and a great driver, and a few days’ experience was just that. Not only did he drive but he was also responsible for setting up the suitcases for the 20 or so of us each day, and it was naturally hard work watching him lift the suitcases on and off. But the travel agent had already paid him for his tips. This is a common practice in all European tours. It was only natural that a group of us would just hand over our suitcases to him.
As the limousine was moving, I was very nervous to see the driver on the phone for the first time, but the driver took it in stride. This led to noticing other cars driving by out of the window and seeing a significant number of drivers fiddling with their phones while driving. This was very puzzling!
The roads in Italy are very narrow, especially on the highways themselves are faster, and drivers often overtake freight cars, that kind of worry, you can only consciously fasten your seatbelt and do as you are told there is no choice. I silently ask in my heart: are you not afraid?
The places with the most thieves in the world are tourist attractions. Italy is no exception, if not more so.
A member of the group was waiting for someone who looked like an unlikely thief and asked to help him take a photo, this person took his mobile phone and gestured to him to explain the request, our enthusiastic person, when he finished taking the photo for others, then realized that his bag was pulled open and 500 euros were missing from the bag? The regret was as deep as it could be.
Before that, the guide had repeatedly said, “Don’t take photos for people! Don’t talk to strangers! And don’t pick up things for people! There are so many tricks to be used by thieves, it’s impossible to guard against them! Now it seems that you can only believe such things if you experience them.
There is a saying in China that there are fewer thieves now because Chinese people don’t carry cash anymore. It seems to be true: the internet has changed lives and restrained thieves. I hope that for those travelling abroad in the future, there will be no more incidents of theft.
In the streets of Florence, I was surprised to find a small but conspicuous number of Chinese “bike-sharing” bikes.
A city with a classical atmosphere that has embraced such an advanced lifestyle in the internet age. Seeing a familiar bike made me want to pull out my phone and scan the code for a ride.
I was pleasantly surprised and filled with a sense of pride.
