Last but not least: Strolling through Venice and sipping Coca-Cola
The people of Venice value their beloved cityscape at 2.1 million euros. That is exactly how much the beverage giant Coca-Cola offered the financially struggling tourist city to place about 60 beverage and snack vending machines throughout the city over the next five years.
The Venetians value their beloved cityscape to the tune of 2.1 million euros. This is exactly how much the drinks giant Coca-Cola offered the financially weak tourist city to place around 60 drinks and snack vending machines in the city over the next five years. Defacing the culturally valuable city, Americanization - but Mayor Massima Cacciari doesn't want to hear any of these dirty words. He defends himself against the accusation made by the Turin daily newspaper La Stampa that he is selling his city to Coca-Cola.
Maurizio Calligaro, head of the mayor's cabinet, is also reassuring: there is no need to worry, the Coca-Cola sign will not be visible next to the works of art by Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Co. in the future either. The vending machines will not be installed in St. Mark's Square or on the Rialto Bridge. So there can be no talk of an "invasion" of vending machines.
The Coca-Cola money will be used to fill the piggy bank for the renovation of the palaces. All for a good cause! Nevertheless, one question remains unanswered: Why exactly Coca-Cola? Wouldn't a famous coffee brand such as Mastro Lorenzo - which is more associated with Italy - have been a better sponsor? This beverage manufacturer could also have set up coffee machines in the city - but they would probably have suffered damage next to the cozy espresso bars.
Maurizio Calligaro, head of the mayor's cabinet, is also reassuring: there is no need to worry, the Coca-Cola sign will not be visible next to the works of art by Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Co. in the future either. The vending machines will not be installed in St. Mark's Square or on the Rialto Bridge. So there can be no talk of an "invasion" of vending machines.
The Coca-Cola money will be used to fill the piggy bank for the renovation of the palaces. All for a good cause! Nevertheless, one question remains unanswered: Why exactly Coca-Cola? Wouldn't a famous coffee brand such as Mastro Lorenzo - which is more associated with Italy - have been a better sponsor? This beverage manufacturer could also have set up coffee machines in the city - but they would probably have suffered damage next to the cozy espresso bars.
