Peter Kun Frary, Professor of Music • University of Hawaii, Leeward
Peter Kun Frary, Professor of Music • University of Hawaii, Leeward
Photo by Peter Kun Frary • Canon EOS 40D and EF-s 17-55 2.8 IS USM • Next Image
The 1st Century Colosseum, AKA Flavian Amphitheater, makes a striking backdrop for 21st century Roman traffic. The juxtaposition of ancient and modern is typical of Rome and certainly a huge part of its unique charm. I grabbed this shot as my crew walked from San Maria Maggiore to board a waiting coach. Most of my buds were frantically mugging for one another's cameras, and here was crazy man taking pictures of passing cars! But I think I managed to catch more of the flavor of Rome. After all, muggers look the same anywhere...
Unlike Northern Europe, I saw few bicycles in Rome. Instead, motorbikes and scooters covered the streets like locust, zooming, roaring and weaving in and out of traffic as if pursued by demons.
Don't expect to amble leisurely across the street. Italian motorists have no fear of a close call and an arrogant stroll across the street could easily end in injury or death. One of our guides said an Italian motorist will break every traffic law in the books, but will try to swerve or brake to avoid running you over. No guaranties though! On the other hand, German motorists will obey every rule but will run you over if you're jaywalking. I don't know if this is really true, but I wasn't willing to put it to a test...
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