I got a theory about why ancient Romans were warmongers, who kept encroaching on other countries’ boundaries and it has nothing to do with wanting to build the greatest empire ever. It’s less grandiose an idea but an idea nonetheless.

On an average summer day, it’s about 100 degrees in Rome. The city is hot with no breeze coming off the water that lies to the west. So in the summer, there is no respite from the heat. At the end of July through August today’s Romans get the hell out of town and head for various beaches until September when the weather cools. This is a practice I believe started with the ancients but instead of going on holiday, they went to fight a war (so they could govern land with more temperate climates to be sure!). Unrelenting heat does make people behave mysteriously.

For instance, everywhere we went we saw people making out in public. Not just peck here or there, I mean people were going at it. I saw less tongues touching in Paris where I expected to see it.



With today’s technological capabilities, the Italians still forgo the use of central air conditioning. Why? I’m not sure. But of course, I have yet another theory. This is so they can have an excuse for their rudeness and lack of customer service. I have been in five European countries to date and the Italians were by far the worst. They even beat the French with their snotty attitudes about French annunciation.

But the heat and hot attitudes notwithstanding, I am glad that I visited the first major city in today’s civilization. The Colosseum was surreal and what an amazing feat for its time!



I visited the Circo Massimo, where more Christians died than in the Colosseum itself. Then there was the Fontana di Treve, the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona all with the help of one African-American woman, who spoke fluent Italian.



On my way back to Termini from the Vatican, I purchased what I thought was an all day ticket. It costs 4 Euros, so I’m, convinced that it was. Near the Vatican the transportation police boarded and wanted to see everyone’s ticket. When it was my turn I gave her my ticket. ‘Her’ being the operative word.

She looked at my ticket and told me it was for one-way only. I showed her but she kept saying it was expired. There was no use in arguing (although I tried) because she didn’t care. Of course, she wanted to fine me. Get this: my choices were 50 Euros now or 100 Euros in the post. Do I have to tell you which one I picked? Maybe I do. They’ll have to find me to get their money.

I figure I don’t really need to go back to Rome or Italy period. I’ve had better pasta at Maggiano’s Little Italy back at home.