His book is written with passion about the art and architecture of this magical island, filled with gossipy tidbits and sweeping historical theories, not to mention biting criticisms of historical figures one can easily imagine spewing out in between puffs of cigarettes on the loggia of a villa after five or six martinis. In his new book, Sicily: An Island at the Crossroads of History, diplomat-turned-historian John Julius Norwich is the latter. There is, however, a different sort of Brit abroad, that of the ex-pat completely immersed in the culture, an excellent drinking companion, full of juicy stories, spouting politically incorrect but insightful views. For those who aren’t, it essentially boils down to British tourists who are loud, exceptionally drunk, sunburnt, and demanding. Anybody who travels in areas frequented by British tourists (Tallinn, the Algarve, Tuscany) is no doubt familiar with the “Brits abroad” stereotype.
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