I have previously written about riding a Vespa (check out the video) but lately I have been encountering a lot of questions about Vespas so I wanted to revisit this favorite topic with a new post.  I also needed a personal experience for my writing class, so here is the result of my homework…  Enjoy!

Leslie

As a regular visitor to Italy I have rented cars, traveled by bus, trains and planes but had never dared to get on a scooter until a friend in Rome gave me no choice.

In Rome, motorini (scooters) are a staple mode of transportation.  Everyone drives them, young, old, rich and poor.  They are cheap, require little gas, can be parked nearly anywhere and can be driven through Rome’s historic center, which is closed to cars without a resident pass.  Scooters are also the best way to deal with Rome’s stifling traffic and small streets.  And scooters, especially Vespas, are the epitome of Italian style and design.  Like an Armani suit, they are beautiful to look at yet exude functionality.

I always thought “Bella!” (Beautiful), as they weaved through the city’s harrowing traffic but had never considered getting on one.  No way, too dangerous.  Not to mention Roman drivers who think they are Formula One racers, smiling as they swerve millimeters from your feet.

I watched scooter drivers talk on cell phones, navigate cobblestones with one hand, and squeeze between car lanes to arrive first at a stoplight finish, magically appearing in front of all the cars.  I wondered, “Are there any rules here?”.

So when my friend Stefania proposed to pick me up in the city center on a scooter I was more than nervous.  But how could I say no?  I knew the constraints.  No cars allowed, slow public transportation, and taxis that could cost a day’s salary if caught in a Roman traffic jam.   So I took a deep breath and agreed.

I put on my helmet, two sizes too big, wobbling on my head, and realized the hardest part wasn’t being in traffic, it was getting my leg over the seat without kicking Stefy or bruising my leg on the back case.  It took a few tries.  I placed my feet on the footrests, held tight to the cold metal rail on the back of the seat, and told myself  ”You can do this!” and I did.

I quickly realized pedestrians in Rome are low men on the totem poll.  Cars and scooters have all the power and what seemed terrible from the sidewalk is not bad at all from the street.  Views of historic monuments, previously limited to the sidewalk, were amazing.  I smiled and thought, “When can we do this again?”.  I had just discovered a new vantage point for sight seeing, pictures, and an occasional video!

And although enjoyable as a passenger it’s not easy driving a scooter in Rome.  It can be dangerous and I’ve had moments of fear when I was sure a bus would flatten me because my driver felt compelled to weave through lanes into oncoming traffic, but I loved it.

Not long after in New York, I found myself faced with a long commute.  For years I had avoided New York public transportation by walking to work.  But my office was more than an hour walk so I took the plunge and bought a Vespa.

A lot of friends and strangers continue to ask me about my Vespa and how I feel about driving in New York.  New York is not completely scooter friendly but the city is making progress.  I look forward to the day when there is dedicated scooter parking, more scooters on the streets and fewer potholes, but there are now five Vespa dealers in the NY area (all listed at the end of the post) and a few scooter clubs as the NY Scooter Club, a great resource for all things scooter in New York.

So if you or someone you know is interested in a scooter feel free to share this post and visit one of the NY area dealers for more information.  And for those of you who are serious about taking the plunge take note that Vespa Brooklyn is currently offering $1,000 off all 2009 Vespa models while in stock!  Amazing!!!

So scooter away!!!

Vespa Brooklyn, 215 Park Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205  T (718) 254-0808

Vespa Soho, 13 Crosby St, New York, NY 10013-3138  T (212) 226-4410

Vespa Potamkin, 798 11th Ave, New York, NY  T (212) 708-3170

Vespa Queens, 37-43 Crescent St, Long Island City, NY 11101  T (718) 786-7772

Vespa Jersey City, 247 10th St, Jersey City, NJ 07302  T (201) 837-7252

I bought a Vespa in 2006, partly due to an allergy to public transportation (Mon-Fri only) and partly because who doesn’t want to own a Vespa.

My friend Stefania (Stefy) took me on my first motorino (scooter) ride in Rome and I have been hooked ever since.  Just seeing a Vespa makes me happy, it is an immediate escape to all things Italian.

People always ask me if driving a Vespa in New York is dangerous…well it isn’t for everyone but in some cities motorini (scooters) are a necessity.

Young, old, with or without a passenger, talking on the telefonino (phone) or my personal favorite driving with one hand on cobblestones, in Rome everyone rides motorini.

I am hoping they become a necessity in New York.  I am certain the more Vespas I see, the happier I will be.

In Rome the city center is almost always closed to cars but always open to motorini.  Driving or parking a car in the historic center requires a special pass.  Public transportation is an option but as most things Roman, it is incredibly slow.

A motorino is the only way to quickly circulate and manage the city’s stifling traffic.

Driving in Rome, I wouldn’t dare…plus as a passenger I can film and snap photos.

If you have never been on a Vespa or have never visited Rome, what would be better than a quick escape to experience both – no insurance needed.

Click play on the video below and vai (go)!!!!!!  Sorry no English subtitles.

Enjoy!

Leslie

I don’t recommend visiting Rome in the summer, especially August.  Many businesses are closed, the Romans have fled to the seaside to work on their tans and it is simply troppo caldo (too hot).

But if you do come a few things you can enjoy are less traffic, a reduced chance of being sideswiped by a car or scooter, unlimited amounts of gelato, beautiful parks that offer a cool refuge from the city center and lots of cultural events.

Another benefit is free water.  There are more than 2,000 nasones (water fountains or literally big noses) pouring fresh water from the Apennine Mountains to water drinkers throughout the city.  Pure as a mineral water and high in calcium, some consider this water the best in Italy, so fill up a bottle and enjoy anytime.

For a little Roman summer escape of your own you can enjoy these images but if you live in New York and want a small taste of summer in Rome fly yourself down to il laboratorio del gelato.  You may not have the animated scene of a Roman gelateria but you will have some of the tastiest gelato outside of Rome.

And if you are lucky enough to be in Paris don’t miss the gelato chain Amorino, bringing a love of Italian gelato straight to the hearts of Parisians.  Amorino’s gelato not only tastes great but a beautiful floral presentation makes every bite even more inviting.

If you have a favorite gelato destination feel free to share your recommendation by submitting a comment, so we can all enjoy a taste of summer in Rome.

Enjoy!

Leslie

Roma (Rome) is the antithesis of New York…streets have little organization, the pace is slow (other than cars and scooters zipping by), food is a constant topic of conversation and at times the city can be completely unruly.

Say Roma backward and you have amore (love)!

Rome isn’t for everyone, the lack of organization and efficiency alone could drive the average New Yorker insane, but the city’s long history, hidden corners, and delicious food keep me coming back.

As a visitor I rarely want to leave.

When starting a visit to Rome…the best is to start slow.

I hope these images of Rome will offer you a little escape to slow down your day… which is probably speeding by at warp speed.

Enjoy!

Leslie