Were you concerned about buying a Vespa on eBay?
It was the first time I’d bought something on eBay, so yeah, I was a little worried. Especially because it was such a high priced item. But I was lucky that Gianni didn’t want the money until I got to Italy. That way I could check out the bike first before coughing up the cash.
EBay offers an escrow service though where they hold the money until both parties are satisfied. I probably would have used that if Gianni hadn’t been so amenable.
How did you find riding in Italian traffic?
At first I found it hard to discern what the rules were and became convinced that everyone was trying to kill me. Then I realised that there were no rules and rode accordingly. Life got much easier after that.
Where is Sophia now?
Sophia is in Marco’s workshop undergoing ‘conservation’. Basically he is cleaning her up and fixing her up mechanically but leaving her character blemishes that would have been lost in a total restoration.
How can I tour Italy by Vespa without buying one?
A company called Scooterbella organises short tours of Tuscany by Vespa. The pics on their web site look pretty cool. Their tours seem pretty reasonably priced. And Tom Robbins, a travel/motoring writer I respect, has done a tour with them and recommended it. I’m hoping try them out next year so I can give you guys a more personal thumbs up.
Just a big thank you Peter, for a great holiday read – whilst driving (by car though!)and stopping in various places in Italy, including Lake Como. My son bought me the book for fathers day and we left for Italy next day, on 20th June.
I ‘inherited’ a Lambretta 150d in 1962 from my Dad, on my 16th birthday. He never got it back.
I joined a scooter club, with other owners with both Lambrettas and Vespa. How I lusted after a Vespa 180SS, and have had a soft spot for scooters ever since.
I’ve had a soft spot for holidays in Italy also, and have often visited Tuscany, and other parts, and Milan for work, and so your visit and comments on Milan, , Como, Carrara,Lucca, Pisa, Siena, and even Rome (holidayed there with the grandkids last April) made the book un-put downable.
I had to keep reading bits out to my wife, whilst she tried to doze on a sun lounger.
This year we ended up in Puglia, but maybe the other side of south Italy next year……….. better buy your relevant book for that in anticipation!
Thanks again for a great and nostalgic read.
Keith MacBain
Never gave Vespers a 2nd glance before I read your book. Now I stare and dream….
Thank you for your inspiring story. Also loved The Wrong Way Home. Great reading. You make me want to travel, and I have.