Travellers are soon chuckling out loud as he spits scorn about how lizards mate. Trains are traditionally a place of new encounters, romance and adventure Antonio Presti Poets taking part seem glad of the opportunity to escape their ivory towers, or readings and book launches attended by the already-converted. Open house Mr Presti came to public attention when he created the Fiumara d'Arte - an open air gallery of gigantic sculptures down a river valley. He later converted a shabby pensione into an Art Hotel, having each room created, painted and decorated by an Italian or foreign artist. He rejected sponsorship by political parties or local bodies for L'Offerta della Parola, saying that would have compromised it.
Trains are traditionally a place of new encounters, romance and adventure.
Over the years rail travel has become as solitary as going by car.