When Tim Parks travels to the far south of Italy, he makes a point to enjoy the multi-sensory experience,

knowing that in Italy, a train ride is more than just transportation.

Especially in the older trains which have slightly rattly windows.

There is a wonderful wham when the train comes out of the tunnel and it comes together with this explosion of light.

Coming up in the hour ahead, we're devoting an hour to the culture and character of Italy.

Historical influences from north to south really do make for some interesting contrasts.

And think about somebody living in Agrijanto, about 75 miles from Libya and Tunisia.

Then think somebody coming from Milan, less than 20 miles from Switzerland.

But wherever you live in Italy, Mama remains an important part of your everyday life.

She lives on the top floor, I live on the middle floor, and then when it's lunchtime her because

my wife she cannot cook, she put the lasagna in a basket, she threw the basket, and everyone is

grabbing the food for lunch.

It's all just ahead on Travel with Rick Steves.

In a lot of countries, the difference is between how people do things in the south versus the north can be substantial

Today on Travel with Rick Steve's we're exploring Italy from north to south

Their rail system is a good example. High-speed rail lines

connect the cities of Northern Italy with a degree of efficiency that the

older and slower trains in the South can only dream of. Tim Parks has lived in Italy since

1981 and he commutes to work by rail from his home in Verona. In his book

Italian Ways on and off the rails from Milan to Palermo, Tim paints a rye and affectionate

portrait of what a train trip across Italy can show you. Tim, thanks for being here.

Thanks, good to be here.

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