Holidaying
in Europe can be a very expensive exercise and often that expense is married
to a totally unacceptable contempt for the client. Be it in a snooty hotel
or an over rated restaurant. Unfortunately Italy has an abundance of such
establishments that I try to avoid but sometimes I do clash head on with a
certain type of employee, like a rampaging bull, with behavior in such places
that make me see red! Of course such experiences whilst few and far between
do encourage me to seek out those places where I feel comfortable and where
I believe a visitor gets good service and value for their money. Above all,
where we visitors are truly appreciated, which adds to our joy and happy memories
of any holiday. The nature of this beast also has me walking away from the
mainstream, noisy piazzas in any city of Italy to see what is down that lane
or quiet street. I don't mind walking 10 mins out of my way to enjoy a great
meal, or an excellent coffee. Where you can have a chat to the owner, whilst
resting your aching legs and not be charged 3 times extra for the privilege
- don't you hate that particular rip off in Europe!? God knows I do . . .
My wanderings take me around Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice, Cortona, Spoleto,
and Orvieto and so it goes. Just lately in Florence I walk the extra yards
to take my cup of java, and very good it is too at Bar Arlecchino on Via XXVII
Aprile, 33R which is close to Piazza S.Marco and the stupendous painting of
Fra Angelico. In Rome I often take morning coffee in a little slither of a
bar in Via Sistina, very close to Piazza Barberini. This is your classic local
joint. A small bar that serves excellent coffee, sandwiches and if you sit
down you will not have to mortage the house to enjoy the experience! And while
in Florence again, try eating at Trattoria Le Mossacce on Via del Proconsolo,
55r, a stones throw from the Bargello, inside of which is probably Italy's
finest collection of sculpture of the Renaissance period. Le Mossacce offers
excellent Tuscan food at what I consider to be reasonable prices.