Rome: a city of ancient wonders and bustling streets. What better way to soak it all in than by zipping around on a scooter, à la Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday? Well, for Maria Sharapova, this romantic notion quickly devolves into a slapstick comedy.
Cobblestone streets, notoriously challenging even for experienced scooter drivers, prove to be Maria’s nemesis. Add to that the labyrinthine alleyways and the enthusiastic (and often unpredictable) Roman traffic, and you have a recipe for chaos. Picture Maria tentatively navigating the ancient roads, her initial confidence dwindling with each near-miss and wobbly turn. Perhaps she misjudges a corner and narrowly avoids a collision with a fruit stand, sending oranges rolling into the street.
Or maybe she accidentally cuts off a tour group, leaving them bewildered and pointing in her wake. The symphony of sputtering engine, Maria’s nervous laughter, and the occasional honking horn would be a uniquely Roman soundtrack. By the end of her scooter adventure, Maria might be ready to trade two wheels for two feet – and a strong cup of Italian coffee to recover from the adrenaline-fueled escapade.
