Just arrived in Livorno in Italy to check on the well-being of my two Vespas that live here – Sophia from Vroom with a View and Marcello from the as-yet-to-be-released sequel. I’m pleased to report that both are fine. (That’s me and Filippo outside Livorno stadium with Marcello to your left.)
While I’m here I’m going to check out the Elba scooter rally. It’s held over the Independence Day Long Weekend and includes three soul all-nighters, free vino and buffet and a scooter run on the island Napoleon was forced to call home for a while.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the Italian take on Northern Soul. If I can find an internet cafe I’ll stick some pictures up!
Hi Peter,
I got Vroom with a View for Christmas – its a fantastic read. I have an early model Sprint and have always wanted to do the tour of italy but, was a little sceptical about my girlfriend’s thoughts. Anyway, after I finished your book I passed it to her (she is reading it a second time) and now we are both planning on a trip in September 06 (I owe you big!!). I am hoping to pick up another vepsa for the trip – probably from Italy.
I was doing some research on the net and saw this blog. I was just wondering if there is any reason why your vespas are still in Italy. I was hoping to take both my Sprint (its currently in the UK with me) and the new bike (probably straight from Italy) back to Oz after the trip – did you have any problems?
Cheers
Dan
Hi Dan,
Glad to hear you enjoyed Vroom. I hope you can convince your girlfriend to go to Italy in september. You’ll have a blast.
Re: Why are my Vespas in Itay. A number of reasons. Firstly, I wasn’t sure where I’d be – England or Australia. And now that I’m England for a while it’s either bring them to London and let them get scratched to buggery. Or leave them with Marco and have an excuse to go to Italy and ‘visit’ them.
Re: Taking a Vespa back to Australia. I haven’t looked into it too deeply yet. I’d chat to the RTA (or if you’re not from NSW the equivalent in your state) and see what they require. Then, there’s shipping which could be expensive.
Anyway, hope that helps. Good luck!