Italy And Switzerland Forced By Climate To Redraw Their Borders

The changes will be minute, in fact no Swiss or Italians will have to suddenly switch their nationalities. However, the changes to the border has everything to do with our rapidly changing planet. Global warming is altering the face of the Earth and when it comes to man-made markers of nationality and territory, those are no match for mother nature. Italy and Switzerland are seeing that first hand at their common border in the melting Alps.

From CNN:

The Italian Military Geographic Institute says climate change is responsible for the Alpine glaciers melting.

"This draft law is born out the necessity to revise and verify the frontiers given the changes in climate and atmosphere," Narducci said. "The 1941 convention between Italy and Switzerland established as criteria [for border revisions] the ridge [crest] of the glaciers. Following the withdrawal of the glaciers in the Alps, a new criterion has been proposed so that the new border coincides with the rock."

What was a part of the landscape seventy years ago is no more. Now this may not seem to make a big difference to the Italians and Swiss who live in cities far away or to any of us here in the States. However, it is just one sign out of many that we are drastically altering the planet with the carbon-loving lifestyle that we all enjoy. If we do not cut it out soon, melting glaciers in the Alps will be insignificant to the water wars, flooding and many other problems the future holds for us.

Bella Roma!

After five beautiful days, we got back from Italy today. For me at least, the culture shock of coming back to America, hearing mostly everyone speak English and being able to read the street signs was quite the difference from what is the norm over in the Eternal City. Being in Rome was incredible and as with any great destination, three days is never enough. Despite the limited time, we still got to see a lot of amazing stuff. Here's just a few of them:


In one of the many wings of the Musei Vaticani, this is the ancient map room, with huge detailed portions of Italy. Though sometimes the ceilings are done better than the walls.


The Spanish Steps were packed on Friday and the stores were closed. Later on we learned that the city shuts down for liberation day, celebrating when the Americans liberated them from Hitler and Mussolini 63 years ago.


It may not be much now, but this is a slightly decomposed view of what a Roman would have seen as he walked into the Colosseum to watch Gladiators and animals torn to bits.


Across the way on Palatine Hill, the archaeological ruins hold many treasures from the Roman Empire, but these frescoes inside Augustus Octavian Caesar's (the first Caesar) house dating from 23 A.D. had to have taken the cake.


Despite the fact that much of the ancient city was pulled apart by Renaissance-era builders to erect such things as the Vatican and numerous churches around the city, Roman-esque buildings are still with us today and looking better than ever.

Driving The Amalfi Coast Is A Dream Come True

It is Thursday night here in Roma and we just got here today after two beautiful days in the Province of Campania, home to Napoli, Salerno and the famous Amalfi Coastline. Yesterday we drove from Napoli, through the mountains to Salerno and along the Amalfi Coast, stopping here and there along the way. The roads were treacherous, seeing tourist buses clear them was incredible, but the view of the sea and the towns built on the sides of the mountains was all worth it. So here are a few pictures of what we got to see. And remember, the pixels on the screen do not do it justice.


This will scare the crap out of my Mom, but I actually drove this stick-shift "Smart" car through canyons with hair-pin turns while buses threaten to clip the car if you don't get out of their way.


First we went to Salerno to grab a quick bite, before the curves of the Amalfi Coast began.


A scene from the madness along the coast.


Though when we got to Amalfi, the people, the architecture and everything about the town was all worth it.


And how can you beat this view?