Roma

Well I guess you can't trust the wisdom of TikTok.

Waiting for our room to be ready, I surfed the social network looking for eats. We wanted something quick, as most of the day had already slipped away. The most popular, the most talked about place was called Trapizzino. One after another TikTokker raved. To the point where I felt if I missed the place, my trip to Italy would have suffered. There are multiple locations and after perusing the Colosseo we took a cab to the closest one, in the Mercado, which turned out to be part of the train station. And we couldn't find it. All the TikTokkers showed lines, that was what I was looking for. Ultimately the Mercado map told us that Trapizzino was in the corner, but I figured it had to be another Trapizzino, since there was nobody there, and there were three bored attendants behind the counter. But it was the place.

So what Trapizzino specializes in... Well, let's just say it's a pizza pocket filled with...fillings. And we got the eggplant and... This is what everybody is talking about? This is what we came for? I must tell you the bread was superior to all you find in Los Angeles other than at a couple of the finest restaurants, but I can't say the entire concoction was tasty, rather it was fast food, and not piping hot, and that was a disappointment. To cleanse our palates we got gelato thereafter, which was superior to any I've had in the U.S. But if TikTokkers can be so wrong on Trapizzino, what else are they wrong about? The internet is all about the wisdom of the crowd. Maybe the crowd doesn't know so much.

Now you immediately know you're in a foreign country because of the trees. They're akin to mushrooms, albeit with much longer stems. I'd like to tell you what kind they are, but I missed that day in school.

And the color of the buildings. There are earth tones used that are very rare in America.

And it was gray and humid, which I know about as a result of my salad days on the east coast, but these days are extremely rare in Los Angeles.

As for the SUV-ization of the Continent... Not so in Rome. That's what they say, big cars have invaded Europe, on tiny streets. But I didn't see any. I saw some baby SUVs... And I also saw a Maserati hearse! But mostly tiny vehicles, some so small that they parked butt end to the curb. I wish we drove such tiny machines in the U.S.

So we walked to the Trevi Fountain, which was uber-crowded, I remember being able to get much closer, and I also remember it being at street level. But my memories are fifty years old, fifty two in fact, maybe something has changed in half a century.

And we walked to the Forum... And saw Trajan's Column... I also remember being able to walk amongst the ruins, which you can do a bit if you pay today, but I remember an open scenario, and my memory is pretty good. Then again, some of the excavations were new. And I must admit I'd forgotten a bit too much from art history class in college, but I was utterly fascinated still. How subsequent generations tore stuff down for the marble, built upon the ruins. As for the Colosseum... It'd be like stumbling upon the original Yankee Stadium two thousand years later, can you imagine that?

It's not complete culture shock going to a foreign country these days. First and foremost, your phone works. And you can use Google Images as your guide, never mind the map apps. Then again, reading about the Trump trial reminded me of Joni Mitchell:

"Reading the news and it sure looks bad"

I mean I was just in the U.S. yesterday, but it seems so far away.

And the Euro is worth less than a buck. Which is pretty astounding...if only the hoi polloi were aware of this, but the hoi polloi don't have a passport. Then again, as good as Biden says the economy is, that's not the way so many feel. Did you read that piece in yesterday's "New York Times"?

"Why Is Biden Struggling? Because America Is Broken"

Free link: https://rb.gy/lnep0o

I think this guy's solutions are hogwash, but as far as a description of today's America, he's right on. I don't care which side of the political fence you're on, I think you're going to nod your head when you read this.

But people are living just fine in Rome. And we flew an Airbus over, so the door plug didn't blow out.

Looking forward to some carbonara...


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