Reflections on Italy. A lot of streets are call Via de 20 Sept, or similar. Why? took me back to Higher History: The capture of Rome occurred on 20 September 1870, as forces of the Kingdom of Italy took control of the city and Papal States. Rome was officially made capital of Italy on 3 February 1871, completing the unification of Italy. Today we remember Garibaldi as a biscuit. We also forget some large European Countries were formed only [relatively] recently, including Germany.
They also like Alfa Romeo: the first police car we spotted was an Alfa —now part of Fiat-Chrysler. Most of the cars have been “small” or medium sized. It’s only now as we enter the wealthier (or showier?) areas that the SUVs, Porches, Mercs etc start to grow in popularity. They seem to like their horns more too: probably reflects their complexes.
We passed through places called Superior and Inferior this or that. Not necessarily correlated with car sizes.
Today we continued on the railway track for a glorious 15miles, then in and out of narrow street towns, hugging the coast. The route avoids Monaco: too dense with lots of roads now in tunnels as they pack in more unreal estate. So a Tour de France hill it was. No records were broken.
Another border crossing on a steep hill. A neat change of lingo gets a smile from the bored border polis man (bon jour vs buongiorno). Nice cake stop, then into the main city and a rest day. It’s been a fine day all round.
A Times article proves inspiring: Big Pharma is campaigning against NICE – they want the NHS to pay an increased price; never mind evidence based QALY – we want more of your lolly; our shareholders demand a greater slice. Plus ca change.
Travelling reflections 