Popcorn

I took these two pictures in the same place inside and outside a bar in a tiny Italian village. The beauty and craftsmanship of hand painted burned stone fixed with thick metal claws into marble - charming and v.Italian, confirming the image we (the non-Italians) have about the country. The do-it-yourself popcorn machine with this microwave couldn't be any more different. Cheap, American and above all - a ridiculous idea. However, in both cases there were human beings involved, designing and producing these items. Both had an idea, three bottles of wine pouring into one glass and how to supply people with pop corn when you don't have people making it. And the more I looked at the machine the more I liked it, reversing my initial judgement and I came to the conclusion that both can indeed coexist. I am also glad however that one of them clearly will outlast the other.

Refreshing

This ad caught my eye at the airport in Rome. It's for an energy company sponsoring a swimming event saying: "for once we are supporting the ones who don't save energy".
Inspiring visual which made me read the small copy below it.

Tasteless Italians

"A lot of enemies - a lot of honour"
Astonishing, Mussolini - Italy's fascist leader and Hitler's ally on this T-shirt next to Topolino (Micky Mouse) on a quiet beach in Italy. Dangerous self confidence or stupid ignorance? Either way - tasteless.

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