Cup Crazy in Italia

The chant of "Italia" and the soccer theme song could be heard well into the night in Venice. Team Italia... World Cup Campions of 2006!!!! The Italians at Santa Maria Luca Compos square were screaming and gesturing obscenities at the TV after Zidane's hot headed hit on the Italian player. Then the cheering when Zidane was red carded. Everyone was staring in anticipation at the TV screen when the game went into a shoot out.

With every goal and the missed French shot, the Italians jumped out of their chairs, yelling screams of "Bella, bella" and "Bravo". When the Italians scored the fifth goal and Italy had taken the cup, the square exploded with cheers, hugs, dancing, and beer splashing everywhere. People were diving into the canals and as there are no cars or scooters allowed in Venice, groups of people were marching and chanting around the streets and boats full of people were going by waving flags and singing.

As for Venice... first, accept the fact you are going to get lost and second, it's crowded with every kind of tourist. Then discard the map and simply enjoy wandering around the windy lanes, bridges over canals and the occasional gondola and Broque buildings. Soak in the atmosphere. No, the water did not stink for me when I went and yes, St. Marcos Square was packed. Walking along the canals at night is special. Venice is expensive and now in the summer heavy booked. A ride on a gondola is going to set you back 100 Euros (needless to say, I used the land gondola, aka I walked everywhere) and food (which is not very good) and internet is double what you pay normally. Just a ride on the water taxi or ferry is 5 Euros for one way.

I've noticed in Italy, the locals drink coffee like they answer their phones, "Pronto." Real quick, usually standing up and the concept of talking over sipping coffee has not caught on here. The Italians, especially the women also love wearing big sunglasses. The bigger the better except you really get racoon eyes or you have to wear them ontop of your head in the sun. Ah... the price of fashion! I also noticed signal lights don't apply to you if you ride a scooter and.... I have to resist this incredible urge to use my hands when I speak or hear Italian. Keep well, I'm of to Milan to catch a plane and was in lovely Verona. This beautiful, clean pink and sand colored city has it's own Colosium and river. There's not too many tourist and it known for Romero and Juliet. I highly recommend a visit here if you have time.