No Carriages, No Windows (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 33 – Part 1)

Rome greets the morning with triumph—and disappointment. Plans collide with reality as the city strains under the weight of celebration. In this opening passage of The Count of Monte Cristo, Franz and Albert learn that carriages are unavailable for the very days they need them most, casualties of Carnival crowds and relentless demand. Even a simple window overlooking the Corso proves impossible, already claimed at a princely price. Faced with scarcity at every turn, Franz proposes a practical escape: abandon Rome’s chaos for Venice. This moment matters because it sets the tone for their Roman stay—where anticipation outpaces access, and the promise of spectacle threatens to eclipse comfort.   New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A   The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.   If you enjoy this show, be sure to check out Odyssey: A Daily Odyssey through Homer's The Odyssey — wherever you listen to podcasts!