Italia 101

Thambi and I were talking about Italy a couple of weeks back over some Muscatel and what was still a tacit acknowledgement of reality became a superfluous no-brainer.

First built in 206 B.C., the bridge attracted lovers long ago: Tacitus, the first century Roman historian and statesman, reported that even in his time it was "famous for its nocturnal attractions." The Emperor Nero, Tacitus said, visited there "for his debaucheries." (It is also the place where in 312, Constantine defeated his rival Maxentius. He became the first emperor to convert to Christianity, which to many Italians still stands against the sort of love often found on Ponte Milvio.)

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Specifically, Thambi told me about Tuscany and Rome. Rome...the mere whiff of the word gives me a sense of excitement. Its one among at least a 101 reasons to visit Italy. One of the centres of civilization...Italy must happen and soon.