FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Just Enough Italy

by John Wroblewski

Sep 15, 2010

ID 71599905 © Ilviaggiatore | Dreamstime.com

A few months ago, I wrote about how scenes of Abu Dhabi in Sex and the City 2 seemed too forced and too promotional. Last weekend, I saw the completely opposite concept in The American.

 

ID 71599905 © Ilviaggiatore | Dreamstime.com

George Clooney stars as an assassin who must hide out in Castelvecchio, a small town in the mountains of Abruzzo in Italy. He also spends time in Sulmona, Italy. Unlike in Sex and the City 2, we were not clobbered over the head with the location and it left a much bigger impression.

Admittedly, some of my ancestors came from the Abruzzo region, but that is not the reason I felt such a difference. In The American, the locations are left as a backdrop. Clooney often visits a pub to enjoy a latte or other beverage. It is a typical real Italian pub. He drives along the beautiful, winding and mountainous roads. He befriends a priest and interacts with some townspeople. As Clooney works on his assignment, we see architecture, nature and businesses in the region.

All the while, it feels like you are being drawn into Italy, as opposed to being battered by it. The locations seem warm and inviting, not blatant and overbearing. I have never been to Italy, so I am not just homesick or nostalgic. I didn’t particularly like the movie, so it isn’t residual feel-good memories speaking.

The reason might be that Clooney’s character easily blended into the Italian way of life. He is comfortable, therefore we are comfortable. Italy wasn’t larger-than-life to him. It was home to him and I was envious.

Whether intentional or not, the makers of The American left my friends and I longing to be in the Abruzzo area. This did more than any tourism board could accomplish.

-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Airlines
Jan 14, 2025

Turkish Airlines Introduces UNESCO Türkiye Series Amenity Kit Collection

Turkish Airlines recently launched a new amenity kit collection, known as the UNESCO Türkiye Series. Inspired by six of Türkiye’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, the amenity kit collection allows the airline to bring the country’s cultural treasures to the skies.

Extraordinary Egypt

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS

Daily
Jan 14, 2025

Costa del Sol, Spain, Doesn’t Hold Back for 2025 Travelers

With the arrival of a new year, Costa del Sol invites travelers to explore its culture, gastronomy, sustainability and wellness offerings. For those looking to disconnect from stress, immerse with nature and discover new cultures, this province of Málaga offers plenty of activities to keep up with your 2025 resolutions. Need some convincing?

Daily
Jan 14, 2025

First NH-Branded Hotel Debuts in Bangkok

Minor Hotels, in partnership with Boulevard Hotel Company Limited, opens NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard hotel, the first NH Hotels & Resorts-branded property in Thailand’s capital.

A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO

Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor

Daily
Jan 13, 2025

Nader Sculpture Park Opens in Miami’s Design District

The latest addition to Miami Design District is Nader Sculpture Park. Founded by art collector Gary Nader and designed by Bea Pernia of BEA Interiors Design, this park is an open- air collection of more than 50 large-scale sculptures residing within Miami’s celebrated neighborhood of fashion, design, art, architecture and dining. Pernia, distinguished by her knack for blending organic materials into expressions of elegance, also has a studio in the city’s design district.

Daily
Jan 9, 2025

New Spier Hotel Launches This Spring in South Africa’s Western Cape

Lauded for its outstanding wines and regenerative farming practices, Spier Wine Farm in South Africa’s Western Cape region prepares to welcome its first guests to its new hotel this spring, with an opening planned for March. Owned by the Enthoven family, the wine estate is located within a protected area known as Cape Floral Kingdom.

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

Daily
Jan 9, 2025

5 Wellness Journeys to Try at COMO Hotels & Resorts This Year

Jumpstart your 2025 wellness goals and book one (or more!) of COMO Hotels and ResortsCOMO Wellness Journeys, held at properties around the world throughout 2025.