Yeah...what she said.

Letter to a newspaper from a soldier in Afganistan. Link


I don't think I have ever heard it put better. Next time you hear someone on the news talking about the "Sacrifice of American Sons & Daughters", remember this letter.

And also remember that the last sacrifice the journalist on the news made was probably having to park on the open top floor of a parking garage on a rainy day.

When in Naples.....

Just a few tips for the tourist in Naples:

1: Don't be one. Naples is a pass-through city. That is how it views itself. If you are going to Capri, Sedona, Sorrento, etc. and there is a cheap flight to Napoli, take it. Get on the AliBus (runs every 20 mins from 0630 to 2230) from the Aeroporti to the Porto. Get off the bus, take a right at Castel Nuovo and hit a ferry. Ignore the street sellers, there is no way you are getting a genuine Dolce & Gabana clutch for 5 Euro.

2. If your destination is Napoli for whatever reason, get a hotel near Castel Nuovo. You can hop Alibus from the Aeroporti and be right there. Plus you are right on the water, with all the shopping, nightlife and tourista atraciones you can handle.

3. If you are here for shopping see #2. Hotel MH Design. This place is right in the middle of it all. Galleria Umberto is 2 blocks away, as are the Armani, Versace, and many other stores.

4. If you are in a crowd, keep moving. Plan your routes before you even get off the bus or out of the taxi. Hesitation is weakness and the buskers, pickpockets, frauds, and thiefs are looking for this.

5. Visit Teatro di San Carlo. If you have followed this tips thus far you are in the neighborhood anyway. It is worth it.

6. This is a very capitalisitc city. If they can fleece you, they will. Check the sign in the airport for the closest "flat fare" destination if you are going to take a taxi. Check your ristorante reciepts, they probably already have a "service fee" added in. If you are buying from someone not in a retail store, do not accept their first price. (Corollary: If you ARE in a retail store, do not attempt to haggle. This is an insult and they WILL ask you to leave.)

7. Have fun with it. This is the most insane place I have ever seen in my life. But most of the sidewalks are older than America, and the city has grown into its schizophrenia. Be on your guard. Learn rudimentary Italiano. Have an espresso. And remember, there is no such thing as a 20 Euro Rolex.

Whole lotta shakin goin on

Wow, Italy is so interesting.

When they are not protesting Capitalism, they are having earthquakes.

It was all a bit north of where I am. So all I got was a slight shaking of the hotel, just barely enough to wake me up, and then a call from the front desk asking if I was ok. Nice to know they care. They don't care enough to fix the internet access that they advertised and promised, but hey.....you take what you can get right?

I don't know what is like in L'Aquila, but if it is anything like here, those rescue workers are going to need all the kind thoughts they can get.

Still in Italy

Glad I decided not to go to Rome this weekend. Seems there was a bit of a protest up that way. I am going to try to go next weekend even though it is Easter and will be freakin packed.

Went downtown for a little while last night. Pretty cool, if a bit on the trashy side. I guess the trash pickup people are a bit over worked in this city, and most people here don't seem to have gotten the "Litter trashes everyone" message.

Where is Iron-Eyes when you need him.