Well, I've been home from Rome for a bit more than a week.  The wedding was nice, quiet, and simple.

Wanted to share a few observations of the moto scene in Rome (as veiwed from taxis).

The first thing to note is that scooters rule in Rome!  Though I didn't see many Vespas, in fact I only saw one or two.  Most scooters were long space age looking luxury barges being piloted by impecably dressed business types, the rest were mostly simple scooters riden by young Italian gals in skirts.  I'll let you take a moment to contemplate that.

[crickets chirping]

I did see a few Harleys, mostly Sportsters, even a XR1200.  And I saw about 5 or 6 Ducatis and one Aprilia 250.

Apparently the Romans are not waiting for any lane splitting bill to pass into law.  Everyone, not just motorcyclists and scooteristi but everyone, splits lanes.  Well, in fairiness I couldn't even tell where the lanes were.  Occasionally I actually saw some lane divider lines painted on the pavement, but for the most part the traffic was too thick to see much of the road.

Traffic in Sicily was even worse, or better given one's individual disposition on these matter.

One night while on the way to dinner in a taxi we drove by the Ducati Cafe.  Went back a few days later but couldn't find it.  It was too late to go back by the time I google mapped it.  Think MotoTopia with Ducatis literally hanging on the wall.  I threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain so I will be going back to Rome.  I'll make a point of going to the Ducati Cafe to have dinner and beer and take some pix.

congratulations!  The scooters do rule there.  you should see them riding around traffic in the rain on those pebbled streets......no fear. Oh and smart cars going down the Autostrada at 90 mph + passing my ass in my little beater of a Mini

   Congratulations !  Look forward to meeting the spouse sometime soon ! 

It sure beats "went to Rome single; came home married with this lousy T-shirt." 

Congrat's man. 

Sounds like a great trip. Traffic is horrific there. No way I'd drive but I would consider a scooter. A real manly adventure!  I'm headed there in a week and a half. Can't wait to see all the Italian lovelies. 

Congratulations, what a great setting for the occasion 

Quote from: Ronr on June 30, 2009, 04:15:37 PM
Sounds like a great trip. Traffic is horrific there. No way I'd drive but I would consider a scooter. A real manly adventure!  I'm headed there in a week and a half. Can't wait to see all the Italian lovelies. 

stay out of the Coliseum area if you're driving, they'll run you into the wall in rush hour.

Quote from: muskrat on June 30, 2009, 06:22:37 PM
stay out of the Coliseum area if you're driving, they'll run you into the wall in rush hour.

And we now know the birthplace of NASCAR

I just went to Mexico single and came back married last Saturday. All of Europe has embraced two wheels and scooters in particular. It is difficult to put oneself in the frame of mind to use something like a scooter or motorcycle as primary transportation. February to April in north Texas is not always nice for riding. Not that you can't, it just is easier to not hassle with bundling up to ride. The summertime is a different story. I have to leave my car battery on trickle charge because it maybe months inbetween needing it for anything. My 72' Vespa is for around town errand running and the HM is for commuting and longer journey's.

Congratulations.

My version is "Went to Rome with a Swedish girlfriend, returned home with an American one." 

now that should be an interesting story.  start another post. 

a double-fisting one, no less.

grats on getting hitched, man.  coming back with a spouse is betting than coming back with herpes!   

Leave it to Rich to be all sugary sweet and sentimental!! Congrats to you both! Pics or it never happened.

Very cool!  Congratulations