Vroom With a View

Vroom with a View
by Peter Moore
Reviewed by Adelynn

The title caught my eye while I was browsing at Melbourne Airport. Coupled with a cheery picture of a couple on a Vespa, it enticed me to pick it up to read the blurb. I found out that it was a travel narrative, much in the vein of Bill Bryson, set in Italy (another plus point).

The romantic adventure to Italy on a Vespa was a teenage fantasy of the author's, and after reading his escapades, it became mine too.

Sophia the Vespa, named after Sophia Loren, is personified as a temperamental lady, who has to be coaxed into doing things she doesn't like. The author spends much of the time trying to persuade her not to leave him at the bottom of hills, or in the middle of wilderness. The author's partner was pretty impressed though.

I love the descriptions of the cities in Italy. If you're considering visiting Italy, this book will push you over the fence to book your air ticket to Tuscany! Siena! Milano!

I went "Aha!" when he described his impressions of Florence in less-than-glowing terms, much like my personal impression of it.

Each chapter begins with a model of the toy the author gets in his Kinder Surprise. He was waiting for a green Vespa to come along. I found myself looking forward to knowing whether he would get yet another Kitchen Pot Spy, or the elusive green Vespa, at his next meal. How apt it is that he eventually got one in his Kinder Surprise at the end of his journey.

I discovered that there are digital photos of his trip up on his website, and would recommend that you read the book first, then view the photos. Or you could even read it for the second time, while clicking onto the corresponding photo, if you prefer to be an armchair traveller.