« Politeness won't get you pizza | Main | The Mystery Road »

November 13, 2005

Catching up on readers' comments: American shoes, Audrey Hepburn, KFC

"I read about that shoe issue in a forum a while ago. That's how europeans detect american tourists: they wear sneakers when not going to the gym, and they wear white socks." Posted by: scott (dugie) at October 19, 2005 08:35 AM

Last spring, I marched into work and the first thing my Sweedish co-worker said to me was, "Oh, you're SO American!" while looking at my feet. I glanced down at my sneakers, wondering what was wrong with wearing comfortable Nike shoes during an 8-hour restaurant shift.

"What's wrong with my shoes?" I asked innocently.

"Nothing, it just makes me laugh how easily you can tell an American by their shoes."

I didn't quite understand --- at least, not until a party of 12 Americans came for dinner. My co-worker nudged me and I looked down. Yup, we're the only breed of humans that seem to appreciate comfort, even at the risk of fashion.

"Kelsea, I'd love to know if Rome is still "Rome" -- as in my image of it from the movie Roman Holiday -- or it has been watered down and Americanized, like your cup of cafe americano. Can you tell us more about what you see/experience that speaks of both Rome as ancient Rome and Rome as a city facing change? Ciao for now!" Posted by: Andrea at October 21, 2005 06:33 PM

One of the reasons I moved here was because of how much I love the clash of the old and the new. You can see the same moped that Audrey Hepburn rode on parked next to a Mercedes SmartCar outside the Colosseum. The best Ma and Pop restaurants (literally "open-kitchens") are right around the corner from McDonald's. Italy has a very rich culture, and although the country may change in some aspects, the Italians will never risk their way of life for modernism.

"Those eggplants in that picture look great." Posted by: JKW at November 4, 2005 11:28 AM

Yeah, Italy doesn't pump up their produce with growth hormones like the U.S. does. Therefore, the shapes and sizes of the veggies might be a little funky but they taste GREAT!

"Must be almost warming to see a KFC...almost." Posted by: Ben Row at November 7, 2005 09:24 PM

Not almost -- definitely. As far as fast food, Rome offers only McDonald's and one Burger King. All other American chains have yet to make it here (and hopefully won't, but I get cravings once in a while...)

Posted by Kelsea  at 11:53 AM | Permalink

Comments

Posted by: Andrea at November 14, 2005 10:50 AM