After travelling throughout Italy in 1985 via bus (from Brindisi to Pompei, Rome, Pisa, Florence, Venice, etc.), I knew I would go back. Out of all the places I visited in Europe back then, Italy maintained an extremely special place in my heart. This was the year to go back. So, I write this having just returned from two weeks in the northern and coastal territories (specifically Turin, Ivrea, Baldissero Calavese, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and San Fruttuoso). The trip offered some amazing and beautiful, ancient historic sites that are unlike anywhere and to be treasured. However, the trip was quite sobering in regards to people, culture, politics, etc., and the results of these areas of life as seen in the extensive and prevasive graffiti all over these areas mentioned above. It was very offputting, being so direct opposed to the things it attacked. Garbage too was everywhere. Italy literally felt "trashed" with paint and paper - totally disrespected. Additionally, importantly and intrinsically connected is the fact that Italians throughout were generally extremely closed and internal (like the Western model). They were often even quite cold and sometimes outright rude. It is clear they are close with their own but to anyone unknown, there is a protective wall established definitively. Many (most) looked completely miserable throughout all these varied areas I travelled. Cell phones abound as we know or can imagine. The consummerist culture is heavy there, evident with the quantity of stores, the ways in which the locals create special pricing for the tourists, the ridiculously enormous size of advertisements covering historical buildings under construction, and it goes on and on. Globalization, and its effects are clear, and it has changed a precious place. I feel extraordinarily fortunate I had the opportunity to travel there when I did because that place is gone. As one who for years now has been seriously wanting to live abroad and as one who held clear experiences of the goodness of Italy (based on personal previous knowledge), I wished to send this out to this community (from which I receive updates). I felt it important to share this with those who may be seriously thinking about relocating there. Go there first if you haven't been, really do your research - in depth, know someone who lives there if you want to relocate, and assess for yourself what it the Romanticized Italy verses the Real Italy.
