David Shove-Brown

Cycling through Rome

Gypsy Housing

Several weeks ago while cycling, I passed a gypsy housing complex. It was amazingly beautiful in a horrible way. I know, sounds confusing. I couldn't describe it, so I decided I needed to return with a camera.

I headed out this weekend with Kelly, Amanda and Sara to bike the Appian Way. For a brief period, I split off in search of this housing again. Against the suggestion fo multiple people, I brought my camera with hopes of covertly finding images to tell the story. After 20 minutes of riding, I found the place again. I begin shooting and within 2 minutes was aprroached by a young boy riding his bike. He shouted, "ciao amico...ciao amico..." His friends, on their bicycles, followed. Instead of being assaulted, I found the boys merely wanting friendship. They pointed out things on their bicycles that were similar to mine...they did tricks on their bikes for me...they road as fast as their little legs could go...

Here are some of the photos...

Ponza

Internet Cafe

NOBODY runs out on their bill at this internet cafe...

Pompidou Centre

The Real Simpsons

Okay...this has nothing to do with Rome, but as a huge Simpsons fan, this is too good not to post.

What if the Simpsons were real people???

Click Here!

Move-In Day in Rome

Colors of Campo di Fiore

Chick-Freakin-A

Just when you think you have seen it all, something manages to always shock you.

As I was on my way back to DC last week, I managed to be amazed again. I flew from Rome to DC through Atlanta. While in Atlanta, I had a craving for some good Southern Sweet Tea. I went to the nearest Chick-Fil-A looking to fill my liquid void. I stepped in line [there was one register open with WomanX operating the maching] behind a man and in front of a man and his son. At my turn, I ordered my tea and gladly paid my $1.70 [I surrendered a five dollar bill and received my change]. I took my bucket size glass to the tea dispenser dreaming of my sugary refreshment.

As I arrived at the disperser, I disgarded my receipt and was met by another employee [WomanY] who informed me that they were out of tea for the day. No problem, I would just get my money back.

I returned to the register where WomanX was still laboring away, now with a line of about 10 people. The man and his son initially behind me had just paid and were waiting for food. WomanX looked over and asked if there was a problem. I told her that the machine was out and that I would like my money back. She told me that I had to present my receipt for the exchange. I told her that I had just purchased my tea bucket from her not more than 30 seconds ago. She looked incredulously at me reciting the need for a receipt. Mind you, my receipt was now in an airport garbage can next to a Chick-Fil-A and a Burger King.

I showed her my cup and said I just wanted my money back. I handed her the $3.30 and told her she could just give me my five dollar bill back. She said there would be no refund without a receipt. She then called her manager. Finally, someone rational.

I told the manager the situation and she responded with, "I need your receipt". I showed her my cup looking totally stunned. I explained that my receipt was thrown out...did she really want me to dig it out of the garbage??? She simply looked at me. Angrily, I made my way to the can and boisterously dropped the lid digging for this $1.70 sheet of paper. Luckily, it was quickly found. I returned to the register and was handed my five dollar bill. The shocked faces in line learned strong lessons that day.

1. always keep your receipt.
2. fast food employees have no problem being irrational for $1.70.
3. don't assume you will meet an understanding manager.
4. bring latex glothes in case you decide to throw out your receipt.

*excessive cursing on my part has been removed from this story in case my mom reads it.

What chu' talkin' bout Willis???

the italians love diff'rent strokes!!!

Americans in Italy

So I just returned from a few days in the States. While there, i had to get a few items for friends in Italy. So when you are an American in Italy for several months, here is what you will miss most...

1. bagels
2. creamy peanut butter
3. swedish fish
4. muffin tin liners
5. reese's peanut buttercups
6. old bay seasoning
7. icy hot paks
8. plain cheerios
9. emer-gen-c vitamin mix
10. baking powder

Of course, when I was in the States, all I wanted was a good friggin' cup of coffee. Thanks for nothing Starbucks.