Before starting my trip from London to Singapore by train I bought phrasebooks for Russian and Mandarin as I don’t expect a lot of people speak basic english. However what I haven’t anticipated that I should have bought an Italian phrasebook as well. I had some troubles because I couldn’t speak the language. Of course I managed to get what I wanted by pointing and trying to speak some words but I was rather surprised (especially in Turin) how little people spoke English. Don’t get me wrong when I have met up with several locals in a pub they all spoke quite well. Besides the language barrier I had a real pleasant stay in Italy. I can recommend anyone, who is visiting Italy to go and see Turin. It might be one of the less visited cities next to Venice, Florence and Milano. However don’t overlook it as it is well worth a three-days-visit. Highlights in Turin is definitely a random walk around town and a visit to the cinema-musem. After Turin I also took the train to Venice. The name already has says it, it is a nice place to visit. Again a stroll around town throught the small and narrow streets crossing over the many canals is one of the best things to do.
Turin
Turin hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 2006. One can still see the transformations, improvments and additions made to the town for the Olympics. However lots of these buildings are now unused and not looked after. The “Olympic-Effect” has definitely worn off. Nevertheless Turin is a vibrant city with many sights to see. I walked on my first day from the train station Porta Nuova along the Via Roma to Piazza San Carlo and further to Piazetta Reale and Piazza Castello where the main action happens. I also continued my walk around the Royal Palace and Gardens. This makes a very nice walk. However don’t bother and walk behind the Palace and Gardens as there is nothing to see. It is a good idea to continue the walk from Piazza Castello along Via Po to Piazza Vittorio Veneto from where you can see the Small round church on the other side of the bridge and the one on the hill. From the hill you get a great view over the whole city center.
On Friday night I attended the Meetup in Turin, which was held in the Pub Bemish, It was great to meet local people as well as expats. Mostly all of them were working for FIAT or other car companies. Some people I have talked to mentioned the difference between southern and northern Italy and how people are different. In Turin they are more reserved and keep to themselves. However everyone I met this evening was happy living there except for some Americans that didn’t appreciate the laid-back attitude towards work.
It keeps happening that where ever I am, I get asked for directions as happened in Lyon and when I had just arrived in Turin.
Venice
Well, only a short story to tell as I was less than 24 hours in Venice. The weather was just stunning and we got lost a few times in the many small narrow streets with lots of turns. Of course we enjoyed a glass of Aperol Spritz and ate great food.
On Tuesday I continued my journey to Ljubljana.
who is “we” my love? bussi aus wien, auch von lili