Travel

Remembering Arthur Frommer – Budget Travel Guides

 

Arthur Frommer, known for the guidebook Europe on 5 Dollars a Day and other titles on budget travel, has died aged 95.


Pauline Frommer, his daughter, confirmed his death in a statement on his website. 

The writer, who began his journalism while on military deployments abroad, passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones. 

“Throughout his remarkable life, Arthur Frommer democratised travel, showing average Americans how anyone can afford to travel widely and better understand the world,” Pauline wrote in her statement. 


“I am honoured to carry on his work of sharing the world with you, which I proudly do with his team of extraordinary and dedicated travel journalists around the world. We will all miss him greatly,” she added.


Frommer was the founder of Frommer’s guidebooks – a series of travel books that included planning and travel tips to destinations around the globe. 


The series was based on Europe on 5 Dollars a Day – one of his first publications, which came out in 1957 and sold millions of copies. 


The book detailed how average Americans could afford to take trips that many thought were only accessible to the wealthy. 





Europe on $5 on DAY

The FIRST ONE

“Wow ! Imagine it? Europe on $5 a Day”

The GOOD OLD DAYS



“This is a book for American tourists who a) own no oil wells in Texas, b) are unrelated to the Aga Khan, c) have never struck it rich in Las Vegas and who still want to enjoy a wonderful European vacation,” he wrote in the original guidebook. 

Frommer was drafted during the Korean War. He was sent to Europe and served in Germany because of his language skills. While deployed, he wrote what would be his first travel guidebook for his fellow service members, The GI’s Guide to Travelling in Europe.


As well as a writer, Frommer was a TV and radio host whose work helped shape others’ approach to travel. 


In one essay, Frommer wrote that travel “broadens our lives”. 


“Travel has taught me that despite all the exotic differences in dress and language, of political and religious beliefs, that all the world’s people are essentially alike,” he wrote. “We all have the same urges and concerns, we all yearn for the same goals.”




EUROPE on $25

by Arthur Frommer

Early 1980s Edition
POSITANO The AMALFI COAST

TRAVEL GUIDE – COOKBOOK
AMAZON.com

My FIRST TRIP to EUROPE

“And Using a Frommer Guide”

My own Frommer travel experience. After dreaming of going to Europe since I was about 16 or 17 years old, I pulled the plug in the Summer of 1985. Yes I yearned for several years, dreaming of hanging out in cafes in Paris, going to Rome, Venice, Amsterdam, maybe Switzerland, I don’t know, I had to figure out an itinerary.

I was influenced by people I knew, and settled on Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice, and Positano and The Amalfi Coast, and over to Barcelona to meet up with some friends from New York.

Well I didn’t end up going to Paris (another trip), but I did make it to Nice, Monaco, and The South of France. Everything would be wonderful, but I would have to plan. I had my Frommer Travel Guide, Europe on $40 a Day. I think it was that one. All these years later (2024) I can’t remember of it was the $25 a Day edition or $40 a day. Anyway, the book was a great help. I had also bought Rick Steves 1st travel guide, Europe through the Back Door which was nice, but not filled with nearly much info, on many more places as the Frommer Guide by Arthur Frommer. 

Europe on $5 ($25, $40) was the standard at the time, which Arthur Frommer started in 1957 with his 1st of many guides, with Europe on $5 a Day. “Wow, imagine that” ? Those were the good old days, when European Travel was “Dirt Cheap” I must say, I was lucky to catch the tail-end of very affordable (cheap) European Travel on my first few trips.

On that first trip, I stayed in a Pensione in Rome for just $14 a night, just $6 a night in Barcelona, I think I payed about $25 – $30 for a room in Nice, $35 a night at the Hotel Firenze in Venice, and $40 for a room at the Pensione Maria Antoinette in Positano. Though it was Europe on $40 a Day at the time, I decided to give myself a budget of $60 a day. I wasn’t backpacking it, I had luggage as opposed to a backpack, and I didn’t want to stay in hostels, but I did want the most affordable accommodations a step or two up from hostels. This was Pensione accommodations, which gave you a clean room, but usually not with a bathroom. There were shared bathrooms on each floor of a typical Pensione. I didn’t have any problem with not having my own private bath in the room. “Hey, at least I wasn’t staying in a hostile with other people in my room?” Not that there is anything wrong with that. 

The Europe on $40 a Day covered the main attraction cities like Rome, Paris, Venice, Florence, Vienna, Athens, Amsterdam, and others. For each city, the main tourist attraction such as The Coliseum in Rome, Eiffel Tower in Paris, The Parthenon in Athens would be covered. Local transportations options were cover, with sections called “How to Get There” and “How to Get Around,” which were very helpful. For each city there was a small listing of inexpensive Hotels to choose from, a few mid-range options, and maybe t deluxe hotel recommendations, which were classified as “Splurge” options, for both hotels and restaurants.

Then of course there were restaurant suggestions, mostly in the affordable category, as well as a few of the most popular dishes that any particular city or region was famous for. 

Most important to me was the hotel section of any particular city. Back then (1985) there was no Internet, which has made travel much easier to naviagate, with limitless information on vacation destinations around the World, and companies that book hotels all over the World, such as Expedia, Booking.com and others, where you have websites that list hotels in every budget, you can sift through the pages, pick a hotel, make room reservations, and book hotel rooms, all on your computer or Smartphone.

I was 22 years old when I made my first trip to Europe. I book a flight on PanAm from JFK New York to Rome. It was $55o. I can’t tell you how excited I was on the flight over, and those first 5 days spent in Rome, and I was in total euphoria as I explored The Eternal City. I just couldn’t believe it. I was like a young child on Christmas Day. That’s the feeling I had, super excited and oh so happy. And again, I was in a state of euphoria. That’s how much I loved it. 


I met a couple on the plane, we shared a taxi from the airport to Rome Central Station. I took a cue from my Rick Steves travel guide, and checked my luggage at the train station while I went looking for a pensione with a list I made from the Frommer Guide listings. I got a room on my first try with in a pensione that was just 2 blocks from the train station. I told the desk clerk I would take the room, and went back to the train station to retrieve my bags. After going back to the station, I laid down for a few minutes, couldn’t fall asleep (to excited) so I took a shower, got dressed, then went out to explore Rome, The Eternal City. 

I walked about 5 blocks and came upon a Kiosk Cafe by small park across from the Piazza della Repubblica. I went inside and saw these little sandwiches on the counter (Tramezzini). They looked good and were cheap (900 Lire – .50 cents) so I got a couple, along with an Apricot Juice and my 1st Italian Espresso in Italy. I took my stuff and went outside to sit at one of the cafe tables. I was in “7th Heaven.” No big deal to most, yet it was blissful to me. I was in the Ancient City of Rome, eating my first ever meal in Italy, and Europe at the same time. the sandwiches were tasty, the juice refreshing, and the Espresso was amazing. “I loved it all,” and this some 39 years later, I can still remember it all, and I savor the memory. The sandwiches were so tasty (but not filling) that I went inside and got two more. This would be my breakfast for the next 5 days while in Rome. I found a cafe I liked the next day, and went there for the following 4 days, for a caffe (espresso_ Apricot Juice, and 2 or 3 Tramezzini Sandwiches. I loved it.

Anyway, back to that first day. I walked and found my way to The Spanish Steps. I marveled at the sight. I walked up to the top. There was a food truck up there, and I got a Coca-Cola. This was around the time that Coca-Cola had the foolish idea of changing the recipe of “Coke.” A big mistake. People stopped drinking Coca-Cola and the company was forced to changed back to “The Original Recipe.” I had my Coke and gazed out upon The Eternal City. Up on top of The Spanish Steps, you get a wonderful view of Rome, spread out before you. I savored it all. 

From here. I walked down the road toward the Borghese Gardens and the Piazza del Popolo beyond. I came across a beautiful little garden caffe an stopped in. I got a little something to eat. Sorry, can’t remember what it was. What I do remember was that it was enchanting sitting in the garden and again, looking out over Rome. Absolutely beautiful. 

After leaving the garden caffe, I continued on my exploration and walked on the road and descended down into the Piazza Popolo with its two beautiful little “Twin Churches,” and a couple famous caffes, including Rosati that my friend Rene Ricard told my that I had to go to, along with visiting the  two Twin Churches. Of course I did. 




Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke

“The TWIN CHURCHES’

PIAZZA del POPOLO – ROME



After visiting the twin churches of Santa Maria Maricoli & Santa Maria Montesanto, I continued on. In a few minutes, I came upon the monument to Victor Emmanuelle, The 1st King of Unified Italy. Adjacent to this monument is the Roman Forum, and The Colosseum beyond. Wow, The Colosseum ? This really blew my mind. Ancient Rome of 2000 years ago/ I couldn’t believe it.




Daniel Bellino Zwicke


….. to be continued … 






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Anthony Bourdain – Disappearing Manhattan New York Restaurants Bars Old School NYC Businesses

 


MANGNARO’S GROSSERIA ITALIANA

Was on 9th Avenue in New York’s HELLS KITCHEN

Sadly, they CLOSED after 100 YEARS in Business 



KEEN’S STEAKHOUSE

NEW YORK NY

ANTHONY BOURDAIN

VANISHING MANHATTAN

“OLD SCHOOL NEW YORK”




TONY with MICHAEL LOMANACO

At MAGNARARO’S ITALIANA

MANGANARO’S

Sadly, “They Are Gone”


MANGANARO’S GOSSERIA ITALIANA, 
was on 9th Avenue in NEW YORK’S HELLS KITCHEN

The neighborhood where Sylvester Stallone was born, and where author Mario Puzzo wrote the Best Selling Novel “The Godfather” as well as the screenplay to the movie.


Manganaro’s Grosseria Italiana, commonly referred to as Manganaro’s, was an Italian market and deli on Ninth Avenue in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It opened in 1893 and operated for 119 years, helping to introduce the hero sandwich to Americans. The family closed the business and put the property up for sale in 2012.

The business was founded in 1893 by Ernest Petrucci as a wine and spirits store, Petrucci’s Wines & Brandies, that also sold groceries. Its location at 488 Ninth Avenue near 37th Street was on a stretch of the avenue that remained lined with exotic food stores for decades. After the enactment of Prohibition in the U.S. in 1919, Petrucci’s nephew James Manganaro, an immigrant from Naples, took over the store in the 1920s and changed the name; in 1927 he was able to buy the building. Manganaro may have invented the hero sandwich, and played a role in introducing it to Americans.

On his death in 1953, Manganaro’s passed to his brother Louis and sister Nina Manganaro Dell’Orto and their spouses; in 1955, with a publicity agent’s help, they invented the six-foot “Hero-Boy” sandwich, which was successful enough for one of Dell’Orto’s four sons to go on the original version of the TV quiz show I’ve Got a Secret, and for the family to open a sandwich shop next door at 492–494 Ninth Avenue the following year, while continuing to operate a deli and lunch counter in the rear of the grocery store.

In 1962, Louis Manganaro retired and two of his four nephews took over the grocery store and the other two the sandwich shop, Manganaro’s Hero-Boy, and the businesses were separated.

Sal Dell’Orto, who bought out his brother’s half ownership of the grocery store, and James Dell’Orto, who bought out his brother’s half ownership of the sandwich shop, fell out over rights to the “Manganaro’s Hero-Boy” name, trademarked by the sandwich shop in 1969, and advertising for party sandwich telephone hotlines, which led to two separate court cases. The business’ neon sign installed in the early 1930s, which became blinking in the 1960s, was turned off in 2000 so that Manganaro’s Hero-Boy could not benefit from it.The grocery store was repeatedly found at fault over the hotline and was ordered to pay damages to the sandwich shop, and the financial drain plus waning popularity, some of it due to the declining neighborhood, led to the decision to sell the building and close. This was first announced early in 2011, but the building was withdrawn from the market; the business then closed in late February 2012.


Anthony Bourdain featured the store, on the episode title “Disappering Manhattan” on No Reservations TV Show.




AMERICA’S FAVOrITE

ITALIAN COOKBOOK

TONY TOO !!!






DeROBERTIS’S PASTICCERIA ITALIANA

1st Avenue NEW YORK NY

SINCE 1904

Photo – 1928



DeROBERTO’S PASTICCERIA ITALIANA

Year of Picture Unknown




 

LANZA’S


1st Avenue, New York NY


Lanza’s was an Italian restaurant in the East Village, Manhattan. It was opened in 1904 by Sicilian immigrant Michael Lanza in a tenement built in 1871. Lanza was rumored to have been a chef for Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. They closed in 2015. Eater reported it officially closed in 2017 after seizure by a marshal for non-payment of taxes. It is also said to have closed in 2016. The former restaurant’s murals, stained glass, and sign were retained by Joe and Pat’s, a pizzeria that opened at the location in 2018.

They were known to be a favorite of Lucky Luciano, Carmine “Lilo” Galante and Joseph “Socks” Lanza. 



LANZA’S

SINCE 1904

The DINING ROOM

Sadly, LANZA’S Closed in 2017







“STILL GOING STRONG”



JOHN’S of 12th STREET

CUCINA ITALIANA

Since 1908

Thankfully, JOHN’S is open (2024) and going as strong as ever, and will be around for many more years to come. 

Photo by Italian Cookbook author Daniel Bellino Zwicke

At one point in his long restaurant career, author Daniel Bellino worked as a waiter at JOHN’S for 7 years.
At the time, he worked as a cook in Italian Restaurants in New York. He worked 2 jobs for 7 years, cooking at various restaurants full-time, while working as a waiter / bartender at John’s for 3 nights a week.










Good Times at Milano’s – New Yorks Famous Dive Bar

 


MILANO’S

NEW YORK’S FAVORITE “DIVE BAR”



It’s May 2nd, 2024. I’m at my favorite dive-bar, Milano’s on Houston Street, enjoying my $4 Rolling Rock Beer. It’s quite tasty and a “Godsend” at just 4 Bucks, this in a day and age when  in Manhattan, a cocktail can cost you $20 or more. it’s”Friggin Insane” !!! What’s a guy to do? Well Thank God, that though there aren’t many places left like Milano’s, there still are a few. 

Yes, thank goodness that there are a few great old dive-bars like – Milano’s, Rudy’s, 7B Bar, Blue & Gold on East 7th Street and a few other joints in lower Manhattan where the poor old working guy can still afford to have a beer or a drink or two, and it not cost an Arm & a Leg. These places are doing New Yorkers a service that’s quite admirable. The owners a not so greed as to grab every single dollar out there, and taking all they need and not going overboard with overpriced libations. “I Thank You Sirs – ever so much.”

I wrote a piece back in 2012 called “New York & The $3 PBR,” Paste Blue Ribbon beer, and places like 7B & Blue & Gold Bar that served $3 PBRs, or other affordable beer offerings. What does this mean, well it means that instead of going to a place and spending $40 or more for 2 drinks, or $60 plus for 3 cocktails with tax and tip, you could go to Milano’s or Lucy’s, hang with your friends (or not) and have 3 Beers (PBRs) and leave the Bartender a good tip ($5), and only spend $16. Now that’s not bad at all. Or if you only had 2 beers, you can get away with only 10 Bucks for the whole “Kit & Caboodle” of two beers and a $4 tip. Fast forward to 2024 and the Rolling Rock Beer I have at Milano’s was a damn reasonable $4 a can. “No complaint there.” I had two for just 8 bucks. But I sprung for a bag of Potato Chips for $3. Not cheap for a bag of Chips, but this was a little added luxury. I didn’t have to get the Potato Chips. Now that’s another Grip of Got. Have you noticed the price of Potato Chips these days? “Highway Robbery” !!! And Pretzels too ! It wasn’t long ago that you can get a small bag of Potato Chips or Pretzels at a Bodega for only .50 Cents. Not bad, when you’re walking around, a bit hungry and need something to nibble on and hold you over until your next meal. A slice of Pizza (now getting insanely overpriced) a Banana, or a small bag of Chips or maybe M&Ms could do the trick. Lately I’ve gone into modest grocery stores and Bodegas and see a small bag of Pretzels or Potato Chips for $2 a Pop. Are You Kidding Me? Highway Robbery ! And you’re not going to get me to pay $2 for a small frogman bag of Potato Chips, “No Siree” !!!

Sorry, I swerved off the subject there a minute. But like the high prices of Manhhattan Cocktails, overpriced cocktail lounges, and the ability to afford a couple cheap drinks (or Beers), the high price of Pizza and Potato Chips these days, is most relevant. Wouldn’t you say?

Anyway, let’s get back to Milano’s, the legendary New York Dive Bar that remains affordable, and has not been ruined by its popularity and notoriety as being one of New York City’s best dive bars, if not the best. I had a great time there last night, and have only one minor gripe. Well it’s been a while since I’ve been there, and they always had great music of the Jukebox, and it was famous as well. The Jukebox that is, Now, I’m sitting there chit-chatting with the bartender Dave (great guy), I’m sipping on my Rolling Rock, listening to the music, and all of a sudden some Shitty Crap Rap Hip Hop music comes on the jukebox. “What the Fuck” ??? Since when did they put this type of Shit into the Jukebox? “It’s Sacrilegious” !!! I Fucking Hate this Stuff. So-Called music? I call it Shit! With a capital S. Anyway, I guess there’s not much you can do. Well yes. The owner is able to not put that kind of crap in the box if he chooses to do so. No law against not putting Shitty Music in your jukebox. Not the last time I checked anyway. But who knows the way things are going these days? Politicians making insane new laws. It just might happen. I don’t want to think about it. I want to think happy thought s today. Anyway, I wish they owner did not out that Shitty Stuff in his Jukebox. It was always great. But I was subject to having to have to listen to a couple of Shitty Hip Hop songs last night, which always bring my mood, and anybody who has good taste, it’s enough to change you mood from happy and good, to something going towards the Negative. That’s the affect that Crappy Rap so-called music has on people of good taste. I guess the owner wanted to put crap in the jukebox, as I guess he does have a few customers with Shitty Taste in music, so he caters to them as well. Equal opportunity I guess? 

Well I had such a good time, that the couple shitty Hip Hop songs didn’t bring me down much. The beers, the other great music playing on the jukebox most of the night, was enough to balance out the Crap Hip Hop stuff, the bartender Dave was great, as was the conversation at the bar, and the general upbeat vibe of the place. I really did have a wonderful time at Milano’s last nigh, even despite the hip hop. I bought a box in the Kentucky Derby, which if I’m Lucky, I might wine. If not, no biggy, nothing will deter the good time I had, last night and every time over the years. Yes Milano Bar, “I Love You.”

Basta !




DBZ

May 3, 2024 NYC








BLUE & GOLD BAR
BLUE and GOLD BAR …  79 East 7th Street, East Village, NY NY

Everybody’s favorite East Village dive pulls in a regular crowd of college kids, bikers, local senior citizens and random eccentrics—like the long-haired guy whose only sound is a high-pitched shriek. Mixed drinks run for as little as four dollars, but that means the pretty Ukrainian owner will have to head to the fridge in the back room for juice, and you might be out of luck with ice. Stay long enough to play pool on the ratty table and mine the juke’s selection of hits from the ’60s to the ’80s. But if at all possible, use the bathroom elsewhere—don’t say we didn’t warn you. — Kenneth H. Hyman ExtraIn addition to black-and-white photographs documenting the bar’s history, Blue & Gold’s walls are decorated with fading pictures of European men blowing long Alphorns. 


Chianti – Bellino on Vino

 


CHIANTI CASTELLO VERRAZZANO

GREVE, ITALY


Author – ITALIAN WINE GUY – DANIEL BELLINO Z

With CAVALIERE LUIGI CAPPELLINI

Proprietor of CASTELLO VERRAZZANO

GRAVE, ITALY 




CHIANTI VILLA CALCINAIA

The CONTI CAPPONI

GREVE


Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Having Lunch with The CONTI CAPPONI

At VILLA CALCINAIA

GREVE 1997


Daniel Bellino Zwicke is one of America’s foremost authorities on Chianti and Italian Wine.
He created America’s 1st Ever Venetian Wine Bar (Bacaro) “Bar Ciachetti” New York NY.
Daniel is the former Wine Director at BARBETTA RISTORANT, New York, running the Wien Program with America’s greatest Italian Wine List (Wine Cellar).

Daniel is the author of 4 Best Selling Italian Cookbooks, as well as the Travel Cookbook
POSITANO The AMALFI COAST / Travel Guide Cookbook ( AMAZON.com ).

READ ABOUT CHIANTI !!!

READ “BELLINO on CHIANTI”

At “BELLINO on VINO”


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One Bite Barstool Pizza Review Johns Bleecker Street Scores a 9.4 by Dave Portnoy NYC

GREENWICH VILLAGE NEW YORK

BARSTOOL PIZZA – Portnoy GIVES a SCORE of 9. 4 !!!



JOHN’S PIZZA

Of BLEECKER STREEY

GREENWICH VILLAGE NY

BARSTOOL PIZZA “One Bite” !!! SCORES a 9.4 !!!

Or is It 9.3 ???


JOHN’S of BLEECKER STREET

BARSTOOL PIZZA REVIEW

“ONE BITE”

EVERYONE KNOWS The RULES

Dave Portnoy – “This is the Best Pizza I’ve had so far in New York City.”

“9.2 ! No 9.3 !!! Now I understand the Line.”

“This is Great Pizza. John’s of Bleecker Street, Coal Oven Pizza”

“GREAT GREAT PIZZA !!! 9.4 ” !!!


So, as Dave Portnoy was eating the Pizza (John’s), and was reviewing it. He First threw out a Score of 9.2, but quickly, within 1 second changed it to 9.3  … He Loved it, saying it was the Best Pizza in New York. He waxed poetic on how much he Loved the Pizza, and then wrapping up his closing statements on the Pizza at John’s of Bleecker Street, he said “Great Great Pizza, 9.4”

So we think the Score is 9.4 .. Or is it 9.4 ???





SUNDAY SAUCE

AMERICA’S FAVORITE ITALIAN COOKBOOK

MEATBALLS – SUNDAY SAUCE – MARINARA

MACCHERONI PASTA & More ….
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Harrys Bar – Venice – The Worlds Coolest Restaurant


HARRY;S BAR
VENICE







   The World’s Coolest Restaurant? Why, it’s Harry’s Bar,Venice of course. Without a doubt. There is no contest for any to compete. Well many will beg to differ, but I know better, and better than most. No Brag, Just Fact! Let me tell you why.
If you are in any of the Great Renowned Cities of the World, cities such as; New York, Paris, Rome, Bangkok, Tokyo, London, Hong Kong, wherever. There will in all these cities be a number of restaurants where the In-Crowd, the Jet-Set, Those in The Know, the Movers-and-Shakers of the World will go to. There are usually at least 6 to 12 restaurants for those in the know to go to. For example, if you are in my City, New York and you are one of these people, “Those In the Know,” you might go to any one of these restaurants. right now in the year 2011 these restaurants would be; Minetta Tavern, Bar Pitti, The Waverly Inn, Pastis, Momofuku Ssam, The Standard Grill, John Dory at The Ace Hotel, and at least 6 others. Same goes for LA, London, Paris, Rome, and so-on.
In Venice there are many restaurants, but really just one more or less that “Everyone Who is Anyone” will go when in town. One, that one is “Harry’s Bar.” No other restaurant in the World quite like it. If you are of the Jet Set, The In Crow, those “In-The-Know,” you’ll know one thing for sure, when you go to Harry’s Bar you will be amongst the all of The “in Crowd” will be there and nowhere else. Well this is a bit of an exaggeration to make a point, but this point is true 85% of the time.

Ernest Hemingway & Friends at Harry’s Bar
 
VENICE, ITALY




And of the place, Harry’s Bar, Venice. And i keep saying Harry’s bar Venice, for it is thee only one, but there are many others around the World with the same name. There is only one Great “Harry’s Bar” and that is Harry’s Bar, Venice at the Vaporetto stop of San Marco.
Yes, and of Harry’s. The restaurant is Wonderful. It has a beautiful casual elegance in the decor. The place is always filled with the “Beautiful People,” the service is great, and the food Fabulous. Though at a price. Harry’s bar is very expensive. For some this is of no consequence, but if it is expensive for you, it is definitely worth a splurge. The place is awesome.
After-All, they invented the “Bellini” Cocktail here. And
Beef Carpaccio as well.


If you go to harry’s Bar, you will Love it. The place is filled with quite a exciting energy. It’s a experience you’ll always remember. So, do remember, The World’s Coolest restaurant, Harry’s Bar, Venice that is.
 
 
by Daniel Bellino Zwicke
.
HARRY’S BAR
 
The BAR
VENICE
The GRITTI PALACE HOTEL
 
ERNEST HEMINGWAY’S FAVORITE HOTEL
 
VENICE
NEED a ROOM at The GRITTI
ANYWHERE in VENICE
 
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.
.
.
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The AMALFI COAST
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.

REMEMBERING PAN AM and TRAVELING THE WORLD

Just remembering Pan Am. Oh how I loved that airline, the whole notion of traveling and Jet-Setting around the World in a Pan Am Clipper. A TWA Jet would be acceptable as well, but nothing could beat Pan Am, King of The World Airways for many years. Growing up and going to see movies at the Rivoli Theater in Rutherford New Jersey almost every Saturday, we watched movies and dreamed. Many a movie in the 60’s started out with its opening scene of either a TWA or Pan Am jet-liner landing at in airport of one of the most renowned city destinations of the World: Paris, Rome, London, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo. You would invariably see either a TWA or Pan Am jet landing, it’s tires screeching as the wheels hit the runway, then immediately the next scene would cut to either, traffic around The Coliseum in Rome, The Arch d’ Triumph in Paris, or cars at Piccadilly Circus  London, then they cut to the first scene with characters after the jet landings and main city attractions to identify which ever city the movie was first set in.

I especially loved all James Bond movies as I aspired myself to be like Bond, complete with Beautiful Women, fast sports cars, and Jet-Setting around the world, Champagne, Caviar, the whole nine yards. And I grew to love Pan Am.

I dreamed of traveling the World; Paris, Rome, Venice, Hong Kong, I eventually did three times over. And of course you know my first trip abroad just had to be aboard a Pan Am 747 to Rome, Italy. I was in heaven on that flight, a Boeing 747, Champagne, Stewardesses, flying over the Atlantic, destination Rome. And don’t you know the second day I was in Rome after eating my first Tremenzzini, Spaghetti Carbonara, Cod di Vaccinara (Roman Braised Oxtails), and Bucatini Amatriciana and seeing thousands of Vespa Scooters zip around the Eternal City, I just had to rent one. I went to a shop on the Via Cavour, rented my Vespa and headed straight toward The Coliseum 3 blocks away. I got there and circle this Ancient Roman Arena 5 times before going off to explore Roma, “Just like in the Movies.” I was in 7th Heaven. All this; a Pan Am 747, Rome, a Vespa and my youth.

 

 

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

WORLD'S MOST ICONIC SCOOTER

"I CAN TRAVEL THE WORLD"