CONERO RIVIERA: NEWS FLASH! Italian boys like American girls

THE WAVES CRASH against the shore while the beat of Shakira’s, “Hips Don’t Lie,” vibrates through the DJ’s speakers.

The dance floor is packed with Italians swaying to the beat under the bright Italian moon.

Next to the dance floor stands a bar surrounded by men and women ordering glasses of locally grown wine and shots of Italy’s specialty liquor, limoncello.

I make my way toward Philly who is surrounded by admiring men hoping to get a chance to dance with her. We make eye contact and I know that she needs to be rescued.

I grab her hand and we run toward the edge of the dance floor hoping to find our friend Annie.

Philly is glad to escape the persistent Italian men. We spot Annie and the three of us head off in the direction of the parking lot.

Upon locating the two Italian men that brought us, Annie forcefully barks, “Drive us home!”

- Berit Baugher

EDITOR'S NOTE: The exact location of this anecdote is uncertain due to extenuating circumstances. But it was likely near Sirolo or Numana.