THE SPANISH STEPS

It was a hot and sunny day, and my feet were tired from walking around the city of Rome. The hour was slightly past noon, and both TLW (The Little Woman) and I were hungry. Before us stood in all its ancient glory were the Spanish Steps, welcoming us to climb and finish the morning’s itinerary.

At the top of the steps stood an old and historic church, its doors closed for the noon hour as we began the climb, one tired step at a time we took until we reached the top where we surveyed our surroundings.

To our right stood a line of empty black cabs, parked nose into the slotted assigned under shaded spaces, with the drivers laying on the ground resting or sleeping against their cabs or the building walls as we approached them looking for a cab. Not one driver would get up or even acknowledge our existence as we sought a ride back to our hotel and the hotel restaurant. Up and down the row of cabs, but no one taking the bait.

Suddenly a very attractive, sexy looking Italian woman, strolling down the very same line of cabs is seeking a ride. Out of the stupor of sleep and mid day siesta time comes a herd of charging cab drivers, keyed on the young lady’s lire and charms, knocking down each other to gain her attention and whisk her off in their gallantry and black cabs.

As she gets their attention and one wins the contest, there before TLW and I stand all the losers, now caught in the midst of their losing efforts, we corral one and get our ride back to the hotel.

I didn’t tip the bum.

Tired of climbing the stairway of hope, need a rest from these tired blogs, do your feet smell? Then write to:
joedelbroccolo@yahoo.com
Tell him: I wish you could get a kick out of me.”