Vespa Scooters
When talking about big names in the scooter industry, there are very few that convey the message of quality, style, power, and tradition, as Vespa. Of course, they also bring you images of the little streets of Italy, being also a symbol of that country.
Vespa scooters have been around since 1946, and there’s more than one reason for that. But when I was young, I didn’t know any of them. I didn’t even know Vespa scooters came from Italy. I just knew that they were the most “rad” thing ever and that I wanted one.
It was a bit unusual, as most of my friends dreamed of having a car. Maybe they watched different movies than I did. Also, I worked in my dad’s restaurant, and I used to go to different places in town, making deliveries. From time to time, I would pass by the dealer store in my bicycle, and look at the Vespa scooters they had. I fantasized about walking in and trading my bicycle for a Vespa.
Of course, I asked my old man to get me one, which he refused with a sneer. “You young people have it so easy, and want it so easy,” he said. “Well, it ain’t going to be that easy, you know.”
That was, of course, disappointing to me. I specially resented it because I knew very few of my classmates that had to work on a family business, so, in my teen mind, I hadn’t it as easy as my dad said I did.
I returned to work, and at the first chance I had, I went to see the dealer. I was planning to see how much those Vespa scooters cost, so I could buy one myself with my savings. The price tags sobered me up and made me understand a bit why my dad couldn’t buy me one.
I wasn’t going to let go of my dream though. I thought about it for some time and I came up to my dad one day. “I saw the prices on the Vespa scooters, I know they’re expensive, but I propose you I save enough to pay for half the price and you pay the rest. And I’ll be willing to work extra hours at the restaurant for some more money.”
My dad agreed and for the next few months, I had no free weekends anymore. While my friends watched TV or went to play football, I would stay and work. Whenever I felt like giving up, I would take some time and go look at the Vespa scooters.
I have barely raised 1/4 of the money when my dad asked me to follow him. He took me in his car to the Vespa dealer. I couldn’t believe it. He took a look at the Vespa scooters there and said “Go ahead, take your pick, you’re earned it.”
It was after that that I learned more about Vespa scooters. I eventually sold that one, and bought myself a newer model, which I sold when I got married.