Arriving in Torino Italy, home of the 2006 Winter Olympics

Torino Italy - Home of the 2006 Winter Olympics

Wonderful Jane and I just arrived in Torino Italy for 9 days of work and a little fun…or in Wonderful Jane’s case, fun and a little work. Torino is called Turin in English. Turin is most famous in America for the “Shroud of Turin” the supposed burial shroud of Jesus Christ is stored here.

Torino is famous for many other things as well – the original home of Fiat and other fine automobile makers, home of the world’s 2nd largest Egyptian museum, and now the home of the 2006 Winter Olympics.

There is still a lot of construction going on here. Will everything be ready for the Olympics in only a few weeks from now? OF COURSE, no problem. It will be finished tomorrow, or maybe the day after that.....

We just arrived this afternoon. Already Wonderful Jane knew that “Saldi” = SALE in Italian. Jane spent a lot of time in Italy some years ago, so she knew this word very well. Or maybe women all over the world have an inner radar that allows them to recognize the words "SALE" and "DISCOUNT" in any language.

She found every great SALDI within 8 blocks of our hotel. Here she is investigating some beautiful leather purses and bags being offered at 50% off. We need to find a long one that looks nice for her Mom ... must not forget.

Torino is a very traditional European town, meaning that the streets are narrow and parking is virtually non-existent. To accommodate these narrow streets, the clever Europeans invented the Smart Car – a car so tiny that it fits two people, but only after they slip it on like a glove. Here is a picture of one of the Smart Cars. They make a Mini Cooper look like a SUV. It can be parked on the street at 90 degree angle, nose in to the curb. The Smart Car will be introduced to the USA in 2006 or 2007. I think it will make a great high speed golf cart for speed golfing.

Actually with the price of gas going up, the Smart Car will probably sell well in some parts of America. It’s a great car for short commutes.

The best part about Italy, of course, is the food and wine. Italians have a tremendous passion for great food and great wines. Naturally we enjoyed a 2 hour dinner with tons of appetizers (antipasto), superb meat and pasta as a main course, tiramisu and fruit for dessert, and some different wines and cappuccino. Tomorrow I will need a LOT of exercise to burn off those calories.

Wine helps people relax and sleep better, helping to prevent jet lag, isn't that right?? YES, OF COURSE! Salud!! Cheers!! Toast!! Ganbei!! Kanpai!!