The wonders of Italy never cease – from centuries old architecture, warm hospitality, cuisine that appeals to all palates and the multitude of Americans that keep invading the area. Every so often and in the most unexpected places you come across a unique example of what defines the term “ugly American”.
We traveled to Florence from Venice on the relatively new Trenitalia Treni ad Alta Velocita. The trip took two hours and was extremely smooth and quiet. An effortless journey for the most part -- with exception of the painful couple (the “Bickersons” as I will call them) that sat across the aisle from us on our high-speed train ride through the Italian countryside. They were somewhere from the Midwest of America and dressed the part. Mrs. Bickerson wore an unflattering uniform-issue heather gray tracksuit and accessorized by glaringly ugly running shoes.
The Bickersons talked non-stop throughout the journey. They argued. They debated and they bickered. They broke protocol that common sense would prevail when in a foreign land. Mrs. Bickerson even contemplated about removing her nail polish in the first class cabin but thankfully, common sense did prevail. She realized that acetone fumes may be offensive to the neighbors. How considerate of her.
Our voyage continues and we certainly hope not to see the Bickersons again on the next leg of our journey.
Tips to consider before boarding your train in La Serenissima (aka Venice): when porterage assistance is requested and provided from your water taxi to the train – two suitcases will cost you Euro 15 but no tip required.
