NYT: In a Funk, Italy Sings an Aria of Disappointm

[me]

NYTimes published a rather pessimistic appraisal of Italy today, "In a Funk, Italy Sings an Aria of Disappointment." it describes the national mood there as "malaise," that Italians are the least happy people in Western Europe. (glad to hear that the Finns have become relatively cheerful ) that word is associated in America with the Carter administration.

i must admit, i have my doubts about this writer. near the end of his essay, he used the unfortunate metaphor "the Florida of Europe" to describe Italy. suggesting the two places have no native industry, that they survive on tourism alone. i suspect the Floridians here might contest that.

it isn't a travel article, so i put this in "The Living Room."

www.nytimes.com/2007/12/13/world/europe/13italy.html?ei=5087&em=&en=e9cd7b1e90c17196&ex=1197694800&pagewanted=all

[Eagle]

David, that was a very interesting article! Thanks for posting it.

I'm not sure I agree with all the points raised, however it's interesting to see this unique and different perspective. Most tourists enjoy the culture and scenery of Italy, but don't often reflect on what it's like for people that live there.

I'll mention this article to some Italian people living in this area, to see if they have any comments.

Will have to ponder this further......

[me]

did you check out Beppe Grillo's blog? www.beppegrillo.it/english.php

was just scanning it when i came across a statement about a new policy at Trenitalia. it allows train doors to close without warning, trapping passengers in the door until the next station!!

in one case, a conductor "who was dragged 100m by the train and had one of his legs and a foot amputated."

- d

[me]

eagle said:

I'll mention this article to some Italian people living in this area, to see if they have any comments.

any interesting feedback, Ken?

- d

[Eagle]

David, with the Christmas holidays and just generally being busy with the season, I haven't run into the Italians lately, so no feedback yet. I just returned from a few days in Victoria (visit my son and daughter-in-law), so haven't been circulating around town too much lately. This darn miserable and cold weather tends to keep me inside to some extent also (I'm starting to look at the Hawaii tour brochures a bit more seriously these days).

Thanks for reminding me though. I had forgotten about that article.

All the best for 2008!