We have watched two American tourists storm out of a tiny trattoria in a small out-of-the-way Amalfi village (Marina di Priai) because the tratorria menu was only in Italian and the Italian speaking owner was unable to translate. In Venice we witnessed a frail elderly Venetian woman, lugging groceries over one of the many bridges, almost knocked to the ground by a group of oblivious "lemmings" surging over the bridge in pursuit of their umbrella toting leader. The lady did not crash to the ground only because Jim grabbed her. We have seen tourists totally ignoring "no photo" signs, taking flash pictures of precious tapestries, mosaics, etc. Small wonder the Galleria Borghese has such strict visitor rules! I appreciate that tourism brings much needed money into countries, but I wonder how out of control, this has all become.
I am on another rant because of something Judy told me today.
We realized this morning that all of the sites in Trastevere that we wished to see would be unavailable as it is Sunday. Because ancient Rome is closed to traffic on Sundays, we decided to hike around the ancient city and enjoy the sites on this glorious sunny day. Four years ago, Jim and I spent quite a bit of time under Constantine's Arch, inspecting the historic carvings telling the tale of Constantine's triumphant return to Rome. The carvings were magnificent. On our arrival today, the Arch was surrounded by high cast iron pickets. What? Why no access? Judy explained to me that the guide they had hired when they arrived in Rome at the beginning of September told them that Rome has become a city of fences, because tourists are chipping off souvenirs from historic sites ( Constantines Arch, the Coliseum, favourite fountains, etc.)to take home. Are you kidding me? Matt would say WTF? That would explain why we found Neptune's Fountain (actually all three fountains)in Piazza Navona yesterday to be surrounded by similar fencing. Jim and I sat on the edge of that beautiful fountain four years ago, enjoying the sculpture and sound of the water. No longer possible! Dear god, why do some tourists feel they have the right to so upset the countries they are visiting. The ancient sites in Rome truly belong to the world! I am so upset! Traveling, I have always thought, should provide us with the opportunity to learn how other societies were formed (their history)and how they live. We have so much to learn from each other. When did this morph into the right (?) to damage historic sites, disobey rules and interfere with local lives?
I love Rome. This second visit has more than solidified those emotions. But now I feel embarrassed to be a tourist!
Arriverderci!
Amen to all that Daf....not only is the gradual destruction of these sites by tourists a big shame but we also find that some tourists are extremely rude and disrespectful of others' rights to savour the atmosphere. For example there was a group of foreigners at the Grand Canyon who, instead of standing and taking in the wondrous spectacle, were shouting at each other and climbing all over the walls and rocks despite the warning signs and spoiling the moment for everyone else there. Similarly, on a bus tour,a group kept talking loudly over the tour guide's commentary making it impossible for those around them to hear. It's interestung how it always seems to be people from the same European countries...which shall remain nameless but we all know which!! There, my rant is done!
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