Missing my Vette
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 580
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From: Clemson SC
Missing my Vette
Well, been driving for 10 days in Italy now and between the country roads and the Auto Stradas, I miss driving my Vette. So far the count is too many Mercedes, BMWs and Audis to count, 2 Maseratis, 2 Jaguars, 2 Lamborghini and lots of Ferraris. Oh, and one Corvette! Of course my Fiat couldn't keep up with the Lambos or the Vette so mostly a rear end view - that was also the view of some of the hitchhikers near the beach - all women and I think they were taking guys for a ride instead of the other way around.
Of course, all of the Ferraris were around Maranello. I could not resist going to the Ferrari Museum since we were in the vicinity. Kind of similar to the NCM in Bowling Green that I went to last year except almost every one of the cars was RED! Not surprising.
Have found out that traveling the roads of Italy pretty much requires GPS for navigation. Not perfect but seems to get you in the vicinity as long as you provide a good address.
A few days now to see the Alps up closer and then back home to drive my C4 in the Apps!
Of course, all of the Ferraris were around Maranello. I could not resist going to the Ferrari Museum since we were in the vicinity. Kind of similar to the NCM in Bowling Green that I went to last year except almost every one of the cars was RED! Not surprising.
Have found out that traveling the roads of Italy pretty much requires GPS for navigation. Not perfect but seems to get you in the vicinity as long as you provide a good address.
A few days now to see the Alps up closer and then back home to drive my C4 in the Apps!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,672
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From: Sumter South Carolina
Ill take a corvette in the appalachian mountains over a fiat in the alps any days, but as for a visit to Italy, that sounds awesome. England, france, spain can all suck a #$%! For all i care, but italy has so many things there including the women! Their "miss italia" pageant makes our miss america look like a heard of cattle. I graduated with ba in music and i teach so much about just italy and its history and its just amazing. Hope to get out there one day.
I hear they are nice to americans also (unlike france). Wonder if they would appreciate a c4 with american straight pipes?
I hear they are nice to americans also (unlike france). Wonder if they would appreciate a c4 with american straight pipes?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,181
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From: Puyallup Washington
I have been to France twice. Everywhere we went the people were very nice, polite and helpful. The difference must have something to do with the visitor's attitude. If you act like an arrogant a** you will be treated like one.
Rithsleeper, I am not saying that is how you act, I am speaking of people in general.
We also found the food in English pubs was very good when we were there.
We have also been to Italy several times. Italy is awesome with great food, beautiful scenery and tons of history. I sold my collection of ancient Greek and Roman coins to buy my 1991 Corvette.
I would be very happy to be driving around Italy in a FIAT
Rithsleeper, I am not saying that is how you act, I am speaking of people in general.
We also found the food in English pubs was very good when we were there.
We have also been to Italy several times. Italy is awesome with great food, beautiful scenery and tons of history. I sold my collection of ancient Greek and Roman coins to buy my 1991 Corvette.
I would be very happy to be driving around Italy in a FIAT
Last edited by Kmcoldcars; Jun 3, 2012 at 11:20 AM.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Clemson SC
The folks here have been nice when you speak to them. I usually greet them in Italian and then switch to English. Amazingly, have not had any real language issues even in the small towns we visited that are off the typical tourist routes. The big cities, like Rome and Milan (in it now) are not really my favorites but I did go by Monza yesterday and was able to see the Formula 1 track in the big park. Hard to imagine it being built back in the 1920's.
The biggest issue in Italy is getting over the fear of getting mugged. A friend was in the Rome bus terminal for less than 15 min when he got his wallet stolen. Another reason I like the little towns without a crowd around me. As for the French, my oldest son lives in Paris and in visits to see him, we have not noticed any of the stereotypical French attitudes that we had heard about from others -- as long as you give some indication that you are trying to speak their language. Then most of them will switch to English and help you.
BTW, have several more Jags, one more Maserati but still just the one Vette. I imagine the exhaust sound of one that sounds like mine would get folks attention in Italy. The motorcycle and scooter drivers seem to have a death wish though.
The biggest issue in Italy is getting over the fear of getting mugged. A friend was in the Rome bus terminal for less than 15 min when he got his wallet stolen. Another reason I like the little towns without a crowd around me. As for the French, my oldest son lives in Paris and in visits to see him, we have not noticed any of the stereotypical French attitudes that we had heard about from others -- as long as you give some indication that you are trying to speak their language. Then most of them will switch to English and help you.
BTW, have several more Jags, one more Maserati but still just the one Vette. I imagine the exhaust sound of one that sounds like mine would get folks attention in Italy. The motorcycle and scooter drivers seem to have a death wish though.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 304
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From: Victoria Australia
I have been in Milan back in 2007. Nice enough city, food is great but not a place I would live as a car guy. Cars over there are a means to an end. Every car has a dint and you should see how they are parked. Bump touches are common fair not to mention a heap of cars being keyed. No way can one afford a place with garage and still have some expendable income to have cars as a hobby.
Sure they have spectacular cars like their wines (Ferrari, Maserati and Bugatti) but they are not cars for the masses. If you have a late model 1.0L Fiat Panda over there your doing pretty well.
I know times are hard everywhere, but as car people we are still lucky.
As for the people, its how you make of the place. I think everywhere is the same.
Sure they have spectacular cars like their wines (Ferrari, Maserati and Bugatti) but they are not cars for the masses. If you have a late model 1.0L Fiat Panda over there your doing pretty well.
I know times are hard everywhere, but as car people we are still lucky.
As for the people, its how you make of the place. I think everywhere is the same.
