Florence Vespa tour getting ready to leave - photo by Paul Hart October 2018
When holidaying overseas, particularly in Italy, I often keep an eye out for classic Vespas, listening for that all too familiar “pop-pop” of a Vespa’s engine. It was no exception when I holidayed for a week in Tuscany the last two years, with my wife and daughter.
We have visited Italy a lot over the years and I have definitely noticed I'm seeing less geared, classic Vespas; particularly in cities such as Milan, Florence and Rome. I'm sure this is due to the ever tightening laws and regulations aimed to protect built-up areas from the effects of the internal combustion engine. Interestingly though, you can often see websites offering city tours by Vespa..
Follow the leader - a classic Fiat Cinquecento leads the way on this Florence Vespa tour for tourists
Tidy Vespa P-Range spotted in Casole D’Elsa, Tuscany (note Siena plate) - photo by Paul Hart, October 2018
Passing Vespa Cinquanta Speciale (50 Special), Volterra, Tuscany - photo by Paul Hart October 2017
Deep terracotta tones illuminated in Volterra’s evening sun - photo by Paul Hart October 2017
While Vespa sightings may be declining, out in the Italian countryside you are never far from the buzz of an Ape - the Vespa’s three-wheeled sister. Unlike the impatient local car drivers, I never get frustrated or tired of trailing an Ape for a good few kilometers along winding country roads…
Passing Ape in Casole D’Elsa, Tuscany - photo by Paul Hart October 2018
Passing Ape in Casole D’Elsa, Tuscany - photo by Paul Hart October 2017
Olive harvest, near Casole D’Elsa, October 2017 - Photo by Paul Hart
The inimitable Ape is still widely used and can be frequently seen across Italy, being used for all manner of purposes - whether as a tourist rickshaw on the islands of Capri and Ischia to a coffee van in Italian cities, but more often that not I’m used to seeing them driven around by farmers.
When there are no Vespas or Apes to be found, you could always pay a visit to Il Museo Piaggio, in Pontedera, just outside of Pisa - failing that, inspiration for photography is never too far away…
Piaggio Museum, Pontedera, October 2017 - Photo by Paul Hart
Early morning mist rising from the hills surrounding Borgo La Farneta, near Casole D’Elsa - photo by Paul Hart, October 2017
Time for caffe (Neopolitan style) at Borgo La Farneta - like wine it tastes better on holiday.. naturally!
Olive harvest at Borgo La Farneta - photo by Paul Hart, October 2017
‘Foxy’ the friendly resident fox at Borgo La Farneta - photo by Paul Hart, October 2017
Siena Duomo - photo by Paul Hart, October 2018
GROM Gelateria, Siena - October 2017
Looking into Siena’s Piazza Del Campo and the incredible Torre Del Mangia - October 2018
There aren’t many better places for an after dinner gelato than Siena’s stunning Piazza Del Campo..
Siena at dusk.. it’s hard not to love Italy! Photo by Paul Hart - October 2018
Well that’s a snapshot of some of my travels that have involved our beloved Vespa - what about you… ?!
Rod Gillan admirably stepped forward recently and enlightened us on his European adventures last summer, read on - here
I’m not asking for David Baileyesque photos; just a few words about what you got up to on holiday and one or two snaps of your Vespa sightings would be more than great - after all this News page facility is for all VVC members and reading what I put out all the time may get a bit boring after a while!
Contributions gladly received - please email me at vespamore@hotmail.co.uk
Florence seen from Piazza San Michelangelo - photo by Paul Hart, October 2018