A few years ago, I was enjoying my plate of salumi and a beautifully prepared cappuccino in the breakfast room of a small hotel in Tuscany when I heard a large booming voice yell, "What do you have to do to get some G__ D___ hot eggs around here!" My husband kicked me underneath our table because he knew I was itching to jump out of my seat and reply to the imbecile, "Hey, Toto, if you haven't noticed, you're not in Kansas anymore!"
Like most travelers, one of the reasons I enjoy visiting other countries is to experience the local culture, including traditional meals. Breakfast varies a lot between countries. In Italy, breakfast is not an important meal. It is simple, but satisfactory. To expect more than that is nothing less than American arrogance!
In most hotels, you will find a bountiful buffet of the following:
- salamis and meats
- cheese
- pastries/croissants
- fruit
- yogurt
- dried cereal
- boiled eggs
- breads and jams
- coffee and juices
As if that were not enough, you may request a made-to-order espresso or cappuccino. And here's the best part, all of this is included in the price of your room rate. I dare you to try getting that deal in an American hotel!
A few larger hotels have taken steps to accommodate the American tourist (a great dichotomy between a generous gesture and pointless necessity--thanks to people like Mr. Toto!). If scrambled eggs and bacon are a requirement for your vacation enjoyment, then you may consider one of the following:
Hotel FortySeven (Rome)
Grand Hotel Tritone (Amalfi Coast)
Plaza Hotel Lucchesi (Florence)
Hotel Cipriani (Venice)
As far as Mr. Toto goes, I predict he didn't care much for Italy's pizza either because it lacked America's greasy thick crust meat feasts; or the spaghetti because it excluded meatballs! My advice to him? Stay home, Mr. Toto!
