Ep 2. House of Pain

James May: Our Man in Italy is a television series that follows the adventures of television host James May as he travels through Italy exploring the beauty and history of the country. In season 1 episode 2, titled House of Pain, James May heads to the town of Modena, located in the northern part of Italy famous for its balsamic vinegar and fast cars.

The first stop on James's tour of Modena is the Lamborghini factory, where he is given a tour of the assembly line and the opportunity to drive one of the iconic cars. James marvels at the precision and engineering that goes into each car and can't wait to get behind the wheel. The Lamborghini experience is soon dampened, however, as James discovers that the car he is driving is actually a second-hand rental and not one of the brand new models that the factory is known for producing.

After his time at the Lamborghini factory, James makes his way to the Home of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, a small vinegar producer in Modena. There, he meets the owner, Giuseppe, who shows him the traditional process of making the famous balsamic vinegar. James is amazed by the care and attention that goes into producing the vinegar and is impressed by its complex flavor profile. He even gets a chance to taste some of the best vinegar and is delighted by how it tastes.

James's next stop is the historic town center of Modena, where he takes a walk through the winding streets and admires the architecture of the buildings. He then makes his way to the Casa Enzo Ferrari Museum, dedicated to the famous auto manufacturer. The museum features a vast collection of cars, photos, and other memorabilia associated with Ferrari. James is thoroughly impressed with the museum, especially the many engines and prototype cars on display.

Towards the end of the episode, James decides to take on the challenge of climbing the stairs of the Torre Ghirlandina, the famous bell tower in the heart of Modena. This is not an easy task as there are a total of 498 steps to climb, but James is determined to reach the top. He is in agony as he ascends the spiral staircase but is rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding countryside once he reaches the top.

Overall, House of Pain is an exciting episode of James May: Our Man in Italy that explores the beauty and culture of Modena. James showcases his love for fast cars, unique vinegars, and rich Italian history in this episode, taking viewers on a fun-filled journey through the picturesque town.