It doesn’t get any more lame than that. I’ve told you before that I’m like a large mildly retarded Golden Retriever.

One after another Italians patiently and intently try to understand what I’m asking… “Where is the Shroud of Turin?” “Can you tell me the history of this castle?” “Where can I find a toilet?” “Do you have any tequila?” “Why are you staring at me like that?” …are just a few.

In Rome two people stood out to me. (As preface, I have been told many times before that Italians are romantic people. Look at the root word of “romantic.” Enough said.)

Hallway leading to Sistine Chapel Click here for MORE PHOTOS from Mike

The two people I interviewed in Rome for my upcoming “Valentine’s Day in Italy” story did not disappoint.

An older gentleman, Ferdinando, wearing a wide brim hat, a cape, carried a black cane with a round white marble handle and had a woman on each arm. Alicia (pronounced Uh-LEE-chee-uh) was a beautiful early twenties gal with a big smile and a great sense of humor.

Ferdinando told me the story of Saint Valentino, for whom Valentine’s Day is named. He insisted on the women staying on each side of him during the interview. That was new for me.

Alicia told me with great emphasis how she “HATES” Valentine's Day because as she said, “I have no boy!” But she said it with a smile and a laugh. When I popped in that video tape into the deck today in the NBC work space (to make a written log of the contents) several men gathered around to see Alicia. She has dark penetrating eyes and her accent made their knees weak. They were smitten. If she were here I could find her “a boy” in three seconds. This work space is crawling with aimless testosterone. I also have a very handsome son she might like. Sorry Trevor. I don’t mean to embarrass you. Actually, I do. That’s part of the fun of being the un-cool father.

Tonight on TV, we are taking you back to Rome for a closer look at the Vatican and the Roman Colosseum. We were able to get into the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s paintings, but no cameras are allowed. I have one photo for you of the artwork just outside the Sistine Chapel… and some other photos I took in Rome.

No TV cameras are allowed on St. Peter's Square. You’ll like how we got around that. I put on a wireless microphone and Andy stood right at the barricade as I walked in the Square. It worked. It’s kind of funny.

Anyway, you can tune into WCNC tonight for my first LIVE reports from Italy. Try the 4:30 & 5:30 PM newscasts… the 7:30 PM Olympic Show called “Ozone,” I think… and then I’m on again in the 11 PM news. That should be our routine each week night until the Olympics end.

Okay, I have to run. I am meeting one of my Italian cousins for the first time today! Davide Goinco! I have been told my whole life by my mother that I have the “Gionco” nose. I guess I’ll find out for sure, eh?

Ciao!

Mike Redding