Florence and Venice - sit down with caution!

[WillTravel]

asia.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyID=3256170

From the article:
...Jarred by criticism that city councils around Italy were not keeping back-packing day trippers in line, both cities on Saturday started fining those who do not behave with decorum around churches.

The 50-euro ($56.50) fines apply to the areas around Florence's cathedral, the Duomo, and the Basilica of St Mark in St Mark's Square in Venice.

Signs went up on Saturday morning in front of the red, white and green marble walls of the Florence cathedral reading: "Sitting or lying down prohibited." . . .

[LHR02]

Willtravel,
Have been following this story as well....


Remember many a pleasant afternoon spent 'lounging' on the steps/porticos of various Italian sights. Of course, I was there in 'winter' so crowds were minimal...still, the Duomo steps in Florence were some of the best people watching I have ever had.

Actually, it's sad it has come to this, isn't it?

[Kim]

I see it both ways...

In one sense, I think what a terrible waste as we spent so much time just people watching etc.

Then I think back to when we were in St.Peters in Rome and 3 Aisian tourists set up a picnic lunch on one of the alters! I was shocked out of my mind. Some were even sitting on the alters as they were eating.

I am not Catholic but my grandmother was a strongly devout Catholic and probably turned in her grave over that.

I think the rules unfortunately, are a result of the percentage of the population that has rocks for brains.

Kim

[BARATIER]

I think it all comes down to common sense.

Myself, like Dustoffmom, enjoy people watching and have to agree that the steps of the Duomo in Florence is quite a treat.

But, who would, in their right mind, go and have a picnic inside a church? Granted, if you are not a religious person, you could care less, but what about who are religious? Its just common sense. Most people fail to realize how intimately personal, religion is for people.

I am not a religious person myself, but I do respect other peoples believes and faiths.

My $0.2USD

Bara
;D