Monday, February 11, 2008

Trouble in Tuscany


As I mentioned a while back, I will soon be traveling to Italy. It is the low season for tourism there, but a little cold weather will not deter me. After all, I have a thick fur coat to keep me warm. After a week in Venice, my travels will take me to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. I have long been an admirer of the ideals of this period -- the explosion of great art, architecture and, especially, Machiavellian wisdom. So visiting this Tuscan capital is the source of much excitement for me.

But I am aware of the very real danger that Florence poses. Some who travel there succumb to the dreaded Stendhal syndrome -- an affliction affecting those overcome by the city's artwork and intense beauty. Symptoms can include dizziness, fainting and hallucinations. Honestly, it is a wonder that tourists continue to visit this den of danger.

In preparation for my travels, I have been taking in the artful masterpieces of ObeyThePureBreed.com, hoping to build up an immunity before I face the Florentine menace. I will stay strong, my flock. I intend to stare Florence in the eye, and God willing, I will do so without being driven mad.

9 comments:

TransplantedOkie said...

I just could not remember what church I was in - was this Santa Maria, or was it Santa Croce? And after a while I just flat did not care to see any more churches.

But the gelato stands were a completely different story....

Ayatollah Mugsy said...

Allah's generosity knew no bounds when he gave us gelato.

Nevis said...

Wow...Stendhal syndrome, eh? That sounds totally bogus.

Ayatollah Mugsy said...

It is a real affliction, Nevis. I asked the vet if I could be immunized, but there is currently no shot available.

Nan and B.A.G.S. the pug said...

You will miss me the most of all... wont ya Mugsy?!

Ayatollah Mugsy said...

If I said that publicly, Aine, the other concubines would be jealous. And a jealous harem is bad news for the ayatollah.

But of course I will miss all of my Valentines.

Nevis said...

That answer was totally weaksauce.

Ayatollah Mugsy said...

Managing a harem is difficult, Nevis. More difficult than slaughtering a thousand chew toys.

Nevis said...

You're awfully diplomatic, Mugsy. I think you just need to admit that you're running for political office.