The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-09-02

trip through portion Of the Italian
and French Riviera. stopping for a
plunge at Allasio, one of the best
beaches in Italy. From there it is
only a days easy drive to Nice and
Monte Carlo over winding. precipi-
tous but scenic roads. The European
Riviera is over advertised. For ac-
commodations and real sport our own
Florida or California riviera sur
passes anything that Nice or Allasio
have to offer. We may find some
thing unique at Lido, which is on
our route, but any American sea re-
sort has much more to offer than the
European resorts. 1t deepens ones
appreciation for America to see the
accommodations offered at many So
called European smart places.
Monte Carlo is most picturesque,
hut the palace Of the Count Of Monaco.
now gambling place, was a disap-
pointment. After all the 'fuss and
feathers" to get in, the play about the
roulette and card tables is extremely
tame. Many American places can Of
fer more lively amusement. OF es-
pecial interest, however, were the
types Of people who frequent the
Casino and sit for hours in the hot,
stuffy rooms waiting for lucky turn
of the wheel.
From Monte Carlo we retraced our
route through Sav0na and made the
interesting city of Genoa in days
drive from Monte Carlo. From there
our route to Rome was through Pisa.
Florence and Sienna to the Holy City.
After leaving Genoa, there is little
of scenic interest.
At this season Of the year Italy pre-
sents a parched look. II appears Il
semi-arid land although grapevines
and olive trees abound and there are
many growths familiar to those who
have visited California. The towns
for the most part are dirty and show
evidence Of great poverty. Methods
used are one hundred years behind
the times. There are some irrigated
portions. but the chief industry is
tho production of grapes for the wine
trade. There is some mixed farm ing
but more goats than horses, and don
keys seem to carry the burden. OK
cept in instances where even COWS
are used as Il means Of transporta-
ton. Women and children carry pro-
uuNC WITTY uOuNSNS dVc HoJ iNIIl-
able. Steers are used largely also.
but horses are not employed on the
farms in great number In four o.
five days spent on Italian roads be-
fore reaching Rome, we saw only one
or two tractors and only two or three
modern binders or mowers. Some
fields were full of men and women
with small hand scythes and knives
cutting the grass and grain. In some
places we saw farmers thresh ing
grain and beans with a flail.
If most Of Italy is disappointing
from scenic viewnoint. Rome more
than meets the tourists rxpectations
There are many fine hotels and the
city is organized to handle the mil
lions Of tourists and religious pill
grims who come here yearly
St Peters surpasses any church in
Europe. 1t surpasscs any edifice of
its kind in Europe lust as the art Of
Michael Angelo and Raphael surpass
It was worth the discomfort If DAYS
to view the pagan and Christian
shrines. While the exterior of the
Vatican is disappointing to the tour
ist. the museums within are treas
nries of the greatest in art. To veiw
the great canvases Of the Sistinc
| chapel where the Popes are elected.
the library and the Loegc Of Rachael
is worth alone the trip to Europe
The Pope is not as inaccessible as
most tourists believe. It was fas-
cinating to witness asPublic audience,
given in his magnificent reception
room. The Pope is man Of fine
features, slight body, kindly eyes
and humble demeanor. The high Of
ficials. peonle Of wealth and distinc-
ton, rubbed shoulders with the poor