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SOMEWHERE IN TORINO - Intrepid reporters do the darndest things when plunked down into unfamiliar environs, and so this little story is bound to be either equaled or trumped a hundred times over by the time the Torino Games come to an end.
In spite of the fact we at NBC have been blessed with a commendable transportation system that ferries producers, camera crews and typists like myself to the various far-flung venues, hotels and work spaces in this Olympic city; some of us, like myself, crave the independence of a set of wheels. So after two weeks of groveling and a little chocolate, NBC News' Director of Finance Helen Siegelin caved yesterday and handed me the keys to an Alfa Romeo.
(Don't get too excited, it's quite utilitarian).
Problem is, the thing is NOT equipped with any satellite tracking device to help guide me, and I am too dumb to get a map. I've come in on the bus enough times to know the route like the back of my hand, so it was with unabashed confidence I put it in first and rolled out of the workspace around 8:30 last night.
I was lost by the time I reached the first traffic light. And believe me, after dark, those little piazza's all start to look pretty similar. Two hours of circling later; and a guy who claims to feel as comfortable in Beirut as he does in Buffalo was beginning to lose it. Especially, when he stumbled onto the FIAT car plant, which is actually farther away from the hotel than the workspace he'd just left.
The thing is...there was ABSOLUTELY NO WAY I was gonna call Helen and tell her I was lost.
Ego in hand, I decided to ask a local cop. Mistake. They are great guys and gals I am sure. But, by the time he'd pulled the map out and we labored over which way was up I was seriously considering sleeping in the Alfa.
That was until a little angel appeared in the form of an older local Olympic volunteer dressed in his smart red Torino Olympics jacket.
"You want to go to hotel, Mr.?" he asked.
Turns out the gentleman had overheard the name of my digs on the outskirts of town, and low and behold it was close to where he parked his car each day to take the tram into town. (He was from a small village I gathered, and saved parking money by commuting this way to do his volunteer work.)
He navigated. I shifted gears... and 45 minutes later he shook my hand and headed off into the night.
I headed into my hotel muttering, "War is hell" under my breath.
Over the next two weeks, whatever you hear about this "Gritty Northern Italian Industrial Town," (trademark registered by me), remember it's populated with some pretty decent folks.
And yes, I told Helen this morning. She thinks I'm nuts.
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Tibbles
It sounds like you should have brought an intern along on your trip to help navigate.
Ted Land (Sent Feb 13, 2006 9:32:08 AM)
Please Brian, lay off of the political commentary in the Olympic coverage! The games are known for bringing people together and excluding politics. You ruined the opening ceremonies for me!
Terry Merrell, San Diego, CA (Sent Feb 11, 2006 1:10:04 PM)
tell brian to drop the breathless dramatics and keep politics out of the Olympics . He needs to get to work and report the real news...attacts on the Constitution ,Administration wrongdoing, and cronyism...We have plenty of sources of entertainment
Jeffrey Cashvan, SanDiego, Ca (Sent Feb 11, 2006 12:53:28 PM)
Last time I was there, we stayed in a hostel. Now imagine trying to get all of your baggage and yourself in one small bed! Have a great time, anyway, and eat something good for me. (And then tell us about it.)
Susan Klopfer, Fort Madison, Iowa (Sent Feb 11, 2006 1:31:15 AM)
Tell Brian to leave his political comments for the evening news. His comments about who is supporting our war are uncalled for in olympic coverage.
fred johnson (Sent Feb 10, 2006 11:19:50 PM)
Dear Kevin,
I am so envious, as I lived in Torino for a time and have relatives there. I can understand how you got lost; it is a rather confusing city. It's a magical place and I hope you are able to enjoy it. Find a local who can tell you about some of Torino's mystical qualities. I never knew if any of it was true. My favorite place for a quiet evening drink is Dante's, complete with the "heaven" floor and pergatory, etc. Enjoy!
Lita, Burlington, WA (Sent Feb 10, 2006 4:29:49 PM)
Mr. Tibbles:
My 24 year old son, Joe Britt, who is a chef and was invited to Turin to cook for the IOC, dignitaries, Olympic sponsors and other very important people (NBC) has been in Turin since January 14th and hasn't been lost yet. He came close while searching for a hamburger. He has been on foot the entire time and has had a wonderful time. Don't plan on driving on Sunday as no cars can be on the roads due to the smog, except taxis, buses and the like. If you get a minute, go say hello to a very nice young man from South Carolina. He is cooking in the Royal Palace that overlooks the Medals Plaza. He can see the plaza via a window in the kitchen. He might give you something good to eat! Joe lost his hotel room earlier in the week due to a glitch and has been staying with some Australians sleeping on their sofa. Now he has no internet access (no e-mails, IM's or phone calls to me) and I miss talking to him about his adventures. Have a wonderful time in Turin.
Nancy B. McCarthy, Columbia, South Carolina (Sent Feb 10, 2006 1:47:51 PM)
Kevin,
Have a great time in Italy and for god's sake buy a map... Do me a favor. Corner one of these holier than thou Olympic Delegate Euros and ask them where their "movement" would be without US dollars?
They think they can thumb their noses at us and then with their other hand stretch it out for a payday. Its getting very old and since I'm not there to tell someone, you bear the responsibility.
Oh and you might want to mention that to your higher-ups at NBC that pay the freight. Because some whining from an American won't go far, but maybe less shekels will.
Dan Snyder Atlanta, GA (Sent Feb 10, 2006 10:57:18 AM)
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