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DEL.ICIO.USTurin shrouded by indifference to Games
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Turin, Italy — Given its unmatched trail of graft, corrupt judges and drug scandals, it’s only logical that the IOC doesn’t sway as much influence as it used to. But how bad is it when you give a city the Winter Olympics and you can’t even get somebody to open its biggest tourist attraction?
“The shroud is shown only for very important people,” Jovanna Florio said Friday, as she stood inside the Museo Della Sindone. But, it’s the Olympics. It’s Jacques Rogge. It used to be some guy from Korea until he got caught taking a bribe (which actually turned out to be illegal). It’s Atlanta!
“The next time the shroud will be on exhibition is in 2025,� Florio said. “I do not decide. Only the pope has the authority to make an exception. In 2002, the son of the last King of Italy was allowed to see it. He comes to Turin and they make an exception for him.�
The Winter Olympics opened Friday night. The Pope must not be big on the figure skating, curling or, like, the half-pipe.
The “Sacra Sindone,� or the “sacred� Shroud of Turin, is housed in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. It is believed by some to be the sheet that was wrapped around Jesus following the crucifixion, although various skeptics, curators at Ripley’s and I’m assuming my rabbi are readily available for debate.
Problem is, visitors can only view images of the shroud because it goes on tour only every 25 years, or far less often than the Rolling Stones. Which brings me back to Jovanna. She, like many in Turin, seem oblivious to the notion that the Olympics might be a big deal. This is the largest city to ever host the Winter Games, with an area population of 2.2 million. But as of a week ago, there were over 300,000 tickets still available for various events and Friday’s Opening Ceremonies.
There might be many people in Turin excited that the Olympics are here. But they haven’t really shown it yet. Neither streets nor residents appear decorated.
“We are very calm people,� explained Giuseppe Cavallo, a Turin volunteer. “We are not like your typical Mediterraneans. We are so close to France and Switzerland, so we are more like them. We take our time. We breathe some Swiss air. We have kind of an interior joy, but we do not show it.�
NBC, of course, is hoping for more than scenes of people breathing. Jovanna Florio is excited, but only because she is talking about the shroud. My personal tour guide takes me through the museum, which sits about a five-minute walk from the Cathedral.
“This building originally was hospital for crazy, mad people,� she said. And then she gave me a strange look.
“What state you from?� she asked.
“Georgia.�
“I know Georgia,â€? she said. “I read book. Scarlett. Um. I read the Gone … Gone…â€?
Gone with the Wind?
“Yes! I like book. I read one time every year. It’s good book for history of United States. I like to read. But now I can’t because my eyes not good. I see movie. But I like book.â€?
Turin lit the torch Friday night. Now we’ll find out if it lights a fire under the city. It’s appropriate that the first medal today will be awarded in biathlon, which includes shooting. Turin originally was created by the Romans as a military camp. It grew into an industrial city but was destroyed in World War II. It’s the original capital of Italy but has sort of been knocked off the map by Rome, Florence and Venice.
Today, Turin is known for three things: The birthplace of chocolate, the home of Fiat and the shroud. Two you can have. The other only comes out for really special occasions.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Other
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By don
February 10, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
So now you are attacking chocolate? Jeff you are either with us or you are with the terrorists. Which is it going to be?
“Given its unmatched trail of graft, corrupt judges and drug scandals�
Gretsky should fit right in these days.
By Peter
February 10, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
“We have kind of an interior joy, but we do not show it.â€?
Wow. It’s akin to the second best line from ‘North By Northwest’ “So horribly sad yet why is it I feel like laughing”
Bet Mr. Florio enjoys the H out of that particular trait of hers.
By the way where is that Gretzky article??
By leo Schultz
February 11, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
Dear best sports journalist, I thoroughly enjoyed your Turin article, especially the comment about your Rabbi. I bet he will enjoy it as well. I don’t know if you remember but your Mom and I were in Rome and visited the Vatican. I think the italians make the best Pasta. Don’t be too hard on them as remember, I was born in Hoboken and Frank Sinatra and his family may not vote for you. I will be reading your articles daily. Take care of yourself and get some rest. I will call Jean tonight and remind her that I did not forget the $5.00 I owe her. Love , Dad