Dodging cars in Cosenza

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I left Rogliano station around 11am with fellow helpex'r Hannah. Our train was a single carrige and looked resplendent as fook covered front to rear in graffitt - see photo above. The Italians seem to love graffitti, it's everywhere. Not your average UK attempt, oh no. If an Italian writes on a wall it's to declare his undying love: "Princepessa ti amo!!"

We arrived in Cosenza around midday - bad idea. The traffic was not what I had expected. Streets were rammed, horns were blaring, the whole Italian-shebang. Shops close at 1pm for siesta so food was needed before we walked any further. I don't do walking on an empty stomach....After a quick bite we walked through the newer part of town for about an hour, marvelling at the mad Italian parking:

• parallel parking on a crossin? Check!

• Diagonal middle-of-road parking? Check!

• Stopping-to-talk-to-your-mate-in-the-middle-of-traffic-parking? Check!

Brilliant man. Of course they are not shy about making their feelings known, conversation is difficult at best over the cacophony of horns and high-revving scooters. Christ knows how bad it will be in the North. Rome, Florence and Venice will be an experience. (Hannah just reminded me that there are no cars in Venice - doh.)

During our walk we came upon the main reason for the traffic - the local school was getting out (Italian kids go to school on Sat - booo!) No quarter was given in this area so after a sharpish exit another break was taken to get our bearings. We stopped at a cafe called "carpe diem" and took a seat outside. I had my first espresso of the day, chased with Becks and Swiss chocolate in the Italian tradition. Thanks to some inspired Italian from yours truly we procured a map of the city. Actually, that was a lie, Hannah did it. But I feel my ineffectual poking with a compass was a worthwhile contribution.

So after the short map-reading spell we headed onwards and upwards. The old part of Cosenza is on a hill, it's all narrow lanes and dodgy looking steps. Hannah commenced her world record attempt at this point, Specifically: "Most arches photographed in one day." She has definite arch-related issues although this was counterbalanced by my 16 photos to take one photo tendencies. Between us we managed to make the climb to the castle a lengthy one. The view at the top was pretty spectacular though and there were plenty of churches and other touristy things on the way, if thats your bag.....

All that was left was to head back down the hill. Again this was a lengthy process due to arch-related photography and an epic (sadly unsuccesful) attempt at a 24 photo panorma. Shop owners were beginning to surface so I felt another espresso was in order. We had a wander down the main street before hopping on another graffitti ridden train back to Rogliano.

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Photos

Cosenza below
Me on top of old town cosenza

Cosenza
View from the top of old town

resize
Chilling out at a street cafe

CIMG0173
Most of the buildings on the hill are old

Special
I feel like a geek walking around with my little backpack

Top of Cosenza
Sitting on top of the hill

Mafia stronghold
Two Italian guys passed on a scooter and gave me a funny look.

Castle
An arch featuring me, Hannah responsible

Cosenza below 2
and again....

Comments

[GlitterGirlGill]

Ciao il Piccolo Fratello!
Siamo così gelosi! Lovin your pics. It's gettin cold here. And dark at night! I like it though, as I am a freak and prefer winter as opposed to our crappy muggy summers. However, if I had the option of trading places with you..... hmmmm, not much thought required there... Well, looks - and sounds, from your email ;-) - that you're havin a ball. Keep posting the pics and keep us updated on the goss! Loadsa Luv from your sis and BIL-to be x x x