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Harry’s in Venice takes pity on Poor Americans

photo courtesy of Cipriani.com

Well, we are all feeling the pinch at the pump and the housing slump.  The weak dollar (at an all time low) has negatively impacted my travel plans to Europe this year.  Italy and France, as well as the rest of Europe count on American tourism to boost their economy, so it is inevitable that with our economy tanking of late, that the effects on our economy will be felt in Europe as well.

But, you know it is bad when the famous Harry’s Bar in Venice, is offering a discount to Poor Americans. According to Reuters, the owner said there has been a noticeable drop in American customers since January, and April is not looking any better.  He hopes to boost some business by offering Americans a 20% discount off all items on the menu.  The discount does not apply to just drinks at the bar.

That may be a great offer, but honestly, if the major portion of the trip is the cost for the outrageous airfare and hotel, which have gone up so much that travelers can’t even afford to step onto the plane, I doubt if this discount will entice you to book that European vacation.

On the other hand, if your trip is already planned or you are currently wandering around the Piazza San Marco in Venice…..you may want to head right over to Harry’s and announce to the staff, "Please sir, I am a poor American".  You may be able to enjoy a meal in a historic location, where the legendary Hemingway did, at 20% off.  Or you can just buy the cookbook.

But you’d better act fast….there is no telling when this special offer expires!!

Harry’s Bar
San Marco 1323
30124 Venezia
041.5285777

Arno River, Florence

The Arno River, Florence

The Arno is a river in Tuscany, Italy.  The river begins in the Apennines mountains and flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea near Pisa.  The Arno runs through Firenze (Florence) and is both the largest and most important river in the region, at 149 miles in length.

The Arno has flooded many times over the years, the most famous and recent flood taking place in November 1966.  You can learn more here and see some pictures of the event here and here. Forty people lost their lives that day and equally important, millions of antique rare books and works of art were destroyed as well.  Even the Duomo flooded and the famous bronze Baptistry doors were damaged.  Since that time, some damns have been built to help avoid further flooding.

The flow of the Arno can be very irregular.  It is reported that it can go from almost dry to flooding conditions in just a few days.  Though, the day we were there, the water was pretty calm as the crew team was practicing right on the river. 

Hmm, maybe that Italian passion for life, art and culture in Florence can flow right into the river and influence the river’s conditions?  Sounds plausible.

The Ponte Vecchio, or the Old Bridge, is a Medieval bridge that crosses the Arno in Florence.  The bridge was constructed of wood by Romans, but a flood in the 1300′s destroyed it, so it was rebuilt using stone, which proved to stand the test of time.

This unique bridge is lined with old buildings that were originally inhabited by butchers. The butchers have come and gone and now jewelery, art and souvenir shops occupy the shops.

So, if you find yourself in Florence, make sure you go for a little passeggiata across the Ponte Vecchio, drink in the view of the Arno at sunset, buy yourself a little Italian gold bauble, and don’t forget to to treat yourself to a scoop of all that’s good and holy (yeah, the stuff is that good) at the gelateria at the end of the bridge.