Monocle's Tyler Brûlé: Italian Riviera Detours, Fast Boats, and a Stormy Eclipse

In his column 'The Faster Lane', Tyler Brûlé, editor-in-chief of Monocle, shares his week-long adventure in Italy. The trip commenced in Forte dei Marmi, where he enjoyed a meal at Bagno Bruno, observing Russian patrons with notably enhanced lips. He then made his way to Il Pellicano near Porto Ercole, where he noted a substantial order of outdoor furniture from Kettal and the bar staff's burgundy attire. In Porto Ercole, he joined friends Alessio and Juliet on a large rigid inflatable boat (RIB) alongside journalist Riccardo Orizio, author of 'Lost White Tribes', as they cruised the coast, anchored, and swam at sunset. The following day, they visited Pienza, indulging in parmigiana di melanzane and 'Singing Scrabble', before exploring Castiglioncello del Trinoro and its Monteverdi hotel, where they experienced a stormy eclipse. They also went wine shopping at Enoteca di Ghino, with a recommendation for La Bandita Townhouse nearby. Back in St Moritz, Brûlé visited The Monocle Shop, meeting visitors from Kuwait and the UAE, and watched 'The Odyssey'. He critiqued the casting for lacking Greek actors and noted the mid-Atlantic accents, while praising the choice of a podengo dog for Odysseus's companion. He hinted at a potential revival of the 1980s brand CP Shades, inspired by scenes featuring Charlize Theron. The column concludes with a mention of Monocle's Quality of Life Conference in Lisbon.