Arezzo is Roberto Benigni land, and although he no longer lives there he has left many relatives behind. Walking the streets can be something of a head turning experience if you happen to be a fan of the man.

My favourite roberto lookalike was a guy who ran the newsstand near the station, one of the first people i saw in Arezzo and had the whole johnny stechino look going for him. I never asked him if he was related, it was just so unnecesary, but i did take to asking him stupid questions just to get a free of charge roberto benigni type response,.. he didnt have the lines … but he had those million dollar expressions down pat.

Some of the questions I asked him included

Vorrei parchare mio dischi volare qui… va bene?
I would like to park my flying saucer here… ok?

Vorrei il giornale per domani perche io preferisco pesche fresci
I would like tomorrows newspaper because i prefer fresh fish

Ho bisogno una caramello due chilogrami pesante
I need a 2 kilo lolly.

By the end of my stay he was giving it a go and would greet me with a wink and a buongiorno principessa …