Ratso's Europhile

by Carl Russo

It doesn't look like the U.S.A. will be joining the European Union any time soon, so until that glorious day, I'll keep returning to the lands that I love best. Taking an annual vacation of four or five weeks is not for Europeans only, even for someone as broke as me. Just put $50 in a box once a week, and in six month's time you'll have air fare. In another six months you'll have spending money.

Some folks love hiking through the rain forests of South America or meditating on the beaches of the Malay Archipelago. I prefer roaming the stone villages of Roman-based civilizations and experiencing the ways of life around the Mediterranean. In fact, the title of this web site should be changed to "Italophile," so drawn am I to the sun-baked south. (Two Sicilian trips in 2006-2007 are part of a book project.) But variety's sake—and my girlfriend's—we'll report from eastern Europe in spring of 2008.

Below are links to my European travel/photo essays from the last seven years. Be sure to click on the pictures to add the third dimension!

1999: Ratso in Sicily
Jumping off the big boot.

2000: Rat of La Mancha
Spain, Portugal and—ulp!—Morocco.

2001: 9-11 in France
Belle époque, mal époque.

2002: Big Fat Greek Hangover
Robbing the cradle of civilization.

2003: Blackout in Rome
La dolce vita loca.

2004: Sicily: The Sequel
We're All Russo's on this Bus

2005: Italy's Mezzogiorno
Ratz Stopped at Eboli

2006-7: Secret Project Sicily
Tracking the Padrino in Bandit Country

You can purchase any of the hundreds of photographs in Europhile as a brilliant 5" x 7" print, signed and dated in a white matte to fit any 8" x 10" frame. The internet doesn't do these pics justice--you need to see them in full resolution on your wall! Price: $40 shipped USPS Priority. Your money back guaranteed if you don't love it. Transfer the bucks via PayPal to my email address: c_russo@hotmail.com . Don't forget to specify the photo and include your shipping address! You can also send a U.S. money order to:

Carl Russo
P.O. Box 170645
San Francisco, CA
94117

Are you an American planning a trip to Italy for the first time? Better read my travel tips before you go!

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