Independent Reading Post 7

Prompt: 4
Chapters: 13 & 14

"Even the little didn't greatly disturb me. I know Rome is dirty and crowded and the traffic is impossible, but in a strange way that's part of the excitement. Rome is the only city I know, apart from New York, that you can say that about. In fact, New York is just what Rome reminds me of-it has the same noise, dirt, volubility, honking, the same indolent cops standing around with unfocused electric buzz of energy. The only difference is that Rome is so wondrously chaotic. New York is actually pretty well ordered. People stand in line, and for the most part obey traffic signals and observe the conventions of life that keep things running smoothly." (page 135)

One aspect of Bryson's writing that I enjoy is the way that he relates places and events that he knows most of his readers have never been to or experienced to things that most of his readers have experienced. In this case he is relating the lesser-known Rome to New York City, a place that many Americans reading this book would have been to. When he was describing Rome as a dirty and chaotic city it really surprised me. I wouldn't think that with all of the wonderful history and tourist attractions that Rome has to offer that it would be like New York City. I thought it was more of a sacred and clean city rather than like New York. I am going to Rome this summer so I will be very interested to see if it actually parallels to New York City.