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When Is The Best Season To Visit Italy

When is the best season to be in Italy?

 That’s the question that everyone asks me when we first consult. Italy is one of those destinations that is worth visiting all year round. 

Let’s try to break it down as every traveler has different dates available and certainly different interests.

Late Spring or Early Summer

My personal favourite, when I travel with my family, is late spring or early summer – particularly the month of June.

School is almost out. Kids are not missing much school and the weather is perfect. 

The not-so-hot weather allows for comfortable hiking, biking and sightseeing. Attractions are not as busy. We are even able to enjoy the beaches, the water and the sun.

Lake Orta and San Giulio in the Province of Novara in Piemonte

Prices tend to be reasonable. Hotels and agriturismi have more vacancies and are more willing to modify dates, if needed, since the high season hasn’t arrived yet. 

L’ Autostrada (freeway), although always busy, is not overcrowded with tourists. Most Italians are still working at this time of the year. All the attractions, museums, castles and parks are open.

Visit my blog on 3 Thing to Know About driving in Italy to better understand the Autostrada

Early Autunno…Fall

That said, if I were to travel just with my wife or with an other couple I would opt for a late October, or early to mid November.  This particular time offers warm days for leisure and cool mornings for great walks, hikes and mountainous excursions.

You can also wander through the streets of sun-kissed towns without sweating and melting away. Touristy towns are less visited. Hotels and accommodations are not so difficult to find and, in case you want to add an extra night, hotels can easily accommodate you.

The changes in the season brings beautiful colours to the countryside. Fall is ideal for visiting markets and autumn sagre. The food, well the food is probably the best during this season. Local ingredients and specialties are highlighted in the fall food fairs. Naturally, there are plenty of regional wines to go with all of those fall hearty dishes.

It’s the perfect season to be in Italy and exploring its culinary specialties. Early morning walks through vineyards or chestnut-treed hilltops help melt away the extra calories consumed the night before.

Christmas Season

If you choose to go in December then your choices are endless. The south still has a warm, fall-like weather but the northern regions can offer more options between low-altitude, cooler temperatures and possibly even skiing opportunities further up the mountains and in the Alps.

Usually the good snow doesn’t come until late December or well into January, but if you are willing to climb enough you can come across ski resorts that are fully functional. 

Christmas markets or Mercatini di Natale adorn many mountain towns but major towns and cities do also a fantastic job in dressing their centri with lights and Christmas decorations.

Natale Italia Bound, When is the best season to visit Italy
Christmas Market in the Trentino Region

The warmth of the Christmas Season is visible throughout the country. There is nothing more cozy than to sit and people watch while sipping on a hot, thick cioccolata calda at a outdoor caffè.

Inverno…Winter

As in most of the Western world, days are shorter in the winter therefore you do have a limited daylight hours for sightseeing. Start earlier in the morning. If you are driving you may want to finish your journey while it’s still light. That way you can get a bearing on your destination and surroundings more easily.

Italy in February? Be prepared for Carnevale – especially if you are planning to visit Venice. Book well in advance – even one year prior. Expect to pay top Euros for those rooms in Venice or Viareggio.

Check out my blog on What You need to Know Before Booking Accomodations in Italy, to help you sleep better .

Plan well in advance. Be prepared for snow as well in hilltop towns and mountain terrains. Don’t be surprised if some cities in Northern and Central Italy get the white stuff. In some cases, quite heavily.

Usually snow doesn’t last long, but can interfere with your plans. If you are looking for a milder, possibly snow-free holiday during those months, then head south to Sicily, Sardegna, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia or even Rome. 

Primavera…Spring

Spring in Italy brings the awakening of the country. It’s like opening all of your windows in the morning and taking in a deep breath of fresh air. Italy is one beautiful garden and no other season seems to bring that out like spring.

Il Bel Paese is rich in spring fairs, festivals and folklore events. All of Italy’s gardens are in full bloom. One of these is the Flower Show in Perugia inside the Giardini del Frontone, or if you are in Sicily, you can not miss the Tradizionale Infiorata di Noto. But those are just two of the many.

Because of the warmer temperatures biking, hiking are perfect activities if the sun is shining. Remember to bring along an umbrella because although the climate is milder it still rains at times.

In The Heat of Estate…Summer

That brings us to summer, mainly July, August and September. Summer in Italy is a frenzy of tourists from all over Europe and the rest of the world.

Add to the international mix, over 22 million Italians. Yes! One third of all Italians holiday in the summer in Italy so everything is more expensive and, naturally, busier.

Cinque Terre Italian Beach
Cinque Terre

The good thing is that most Italians and many foreigners hit the beaches, therefore many areas with cultural interests are somewhat less busy. It’s also quit humid and hot so early morning excursions are the best. A late, late dinner is ideal.

Best places to visit in the summer are the beaches and those are all over the coast, but the lakes and mountains are ideal as the temperatures tend to be more favourable.

Cities such as Rome and Florence are hot and muggy, as I said, and there is nothing less appealing then slowly climbing the 330 stairs from the terrace to the Cupola of St. Peter Basilica while following fifty other sweating tourists.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a must if you are visiting the Vatican. The Cupola is a masterpiece by Bernini and Michelangelo. (Both artists poured their efforts into its creation, but Fontana had to finish it as Michelangelo was already dead by then.)

It’s just that it would be more appreciated during a cooler month or, at the very least, very early on a hot summer day.

Anytime

Any time you have the opportunity to find yourself in Italy is a good time to discover this phenomenal country.  Regardless if you have one weekend or one month, Italy is a must. Each corner of the country will amaze you.

So pick your dates, book the flight, and go! You will not regret it and best of all, visiting Italy once will make you want to go back over and over again. 

‘Til then… Buon Viaggio. 

Langhe: Italy’s Best Kept Secret

An incredible alternative to the Chianti area is Piemonte’s Langhe area. This rich wine region has everything that a tourist is looking for in a holiday. The Langhe area is first class in food, architecture, wine and nature. Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto and Moscato are just a few of the many wines produced here and sold throughout the world. It is also an UNESCO  World Heritage protected region.

The Secret is out

The hills around Cherasco were described by Napoleon as God’s gift and the food is second to none. Porcini, Truffles, Brasato al Barolo or Agnolotti del Plin are traditional, -must -try dishes when you are in the Langhe. But, don’t stop with just those.

art and culture, Piemonte, Italia Bound

I’ve known individual that arrive at Milan Malpensa airport, rent a car and head straight to Tuscany because they want to experience the Italian wine region, not realizing much closer is probably one of the most incredible wine areas in the world. Of course if you are going to sip wine you need good food and the Langhe doesn’t disappoint. 

Brasato al Barolo, Langhe, Italia Bound
Brasato al Barolo

Canelli is in the province of Asti, not even two hours south of Milan. Here your memorable journey will start. Great food, amazing architecture, beautiful landscapes, renowned wines, and not only.

Grappa Before Wine?

 The hilltop town is our first stop. Canelli is on the border between Monferrato and the Langhe subregions. As we  first stroll through this beautiful town we need to make a quick stop at the Pasticceria Bosca and saviour some of the best pastries in the area, possibly with a glass of Moscato. Famous brands such as Cinzano, Matini & Rossi, Gancia are all from here.

The best comes as we arrive at the Distilleria Bocchino. Here you can take a tour of the distillery and sample some Grappa of Moscato. Bocchino in 1898 was the first to make grappa piemontese from single origin grape thus making it not only particular but also celebrated. Today this 5th generation family owned distillery produces world renowned grappa. 

 Once back on the road, we head to none other than the town of Barolo. But, before approaching the town we will make a quick detour in Grinzane Cavour where its majestic castle overlooks the beautiful wine valley. 

Matteo Marra, Barolo, Langhe, Italia Bound
Matteo Marra, Barolo

Rolling Around

Off to Barolo for a quick lunch at one of its many phenomenal restaurants; my favorite being Matteo Morra. We then head 6 kilometres up the hill to La Morra where we stroll through Trails of Barolo to help us digest our latest culinary experience.

Architectural Wonders

We could be ready for a nap but instead we head to Dogliani. The Neo Gothic town, unique for this area, is a must for visitors. We will also visit the Bar Pasticceria da Cerrina for a caffè and fabulous pastries and then make our way to Cà Nueva. Here, the Abbona family has been producing wine since the 1800’s.

Several wines are produced at the azienda Cà Nueva and a tour of the structure and tasting is a great way to end a day after wandering through some of the best hills and valleys of the Langhe. 

Grinzane Cavour, Langhe, Italia Bound
Grinzane Cavour Castle

Relax and Re-charge

By now it is probably getting late so we head north to Alba where we can dine at one of the many restaurants or at my favorite; Boia Fauss Pensavo Peggio. Just the name is intriguing enough to make you want to try it. Later, sip the evening away as we recharge for the next day. 

Tomorrow is an Other Day

La Morra, Langhe ,Italia Bound, Italian holiday Davide Fattor
Barolo and the Langhe UNESCO Heritage

Alba itself is full day of exploring, and a must. Otherwise on to Bastia Mondovì and in particular the winery Bricco del Cuccù. If you do, and you should, ask to view the Chapel of San Fiorenzo. A rare sight of Goth Piemontese affrescos and view the famous affresco of the 7 Sins. There is more to see. Bra, Cherasco or the castles of  Serralunga d’Alba, and Roddi await us. Not to mention the many other towns, restaurants, shops, wineries and museums throughout the Langhe. 

This culturally rich region provides tourists, foodies, wine lovers and nature lovers some of the best kept secrets in Italy. The proximity to Milan, Turin, Genova and the easiness to access the small towns make the Langhe a must to any Italian itinerary. 

For ways to reach Italy check out my blogs on Getting Around Italy on Planes and Trains

Many thanks to Enrico of  http://www.langhe.net for his assistance and recommendations in creating this itinerary. 

Naturally this is only the tip of the “Langhe” iceberg and if you would like more information or help in organizing a trip through this region or any other part of Italy, drop a line here below or at contact me privately at info@italiabound.com

If you find this article useful please share it with your fellow travellers and on social media.

‘Till then…Buon Viaggio. 

9  Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Italy

What is important to you before you pack your bags for Italy , book your flight and get ready to go on to your holiday?

Budget aside, there should be a plan of some sort and how you go about executing your plan and make your trip not only a reality but also a memorable experience.

Before starting a travel blog on Italy, I took the liberty to interview dozens of clients that I had helped in their travels as well as many more that were/are regular travellers and asked them a simple question.

What are your concerns, needs and interests when you travel?

Interestingly enough, the average person was more concerned about wasting time than wasting money, but the two go hand in hand. When you are not getting the most of your time, you end up wasting money along the way.

Travellers put a lot of emphasis on seeing and doing as much as possible in the short span of time. Often when they try to do too much they return home with a wrong sense of where they were, what they did and what they saw.

As far as I’m concerned, there are two types of holidays.

The first is a “relax and do-nothing holiday”.

You sit on a beach or in a cabin in the wilderness and just re-energize and leave all your stress behind.

The second is an adventure-type.

When I say adventure, I don’t necessarily mean climbing mountain peaks or swimming with sharks. Adventure could also mean learning about history, doing cooking classes, biking or hiking and any other interests that call for some planning and organizing. Even a certain level of “relaxing stress.” You may be on the go but in a relaxing manner.

For the most part, traveling to Italy is an adventure holiday.

So, aside from the obvious concerns such as and feeling safe and secure while traveling, when I asked the question, these were the answers I received.

Survey Says

1-They want  itineraries that are off the beaten path. Identify the “must see” that may not be part of the usual tourist brochures. Quaint spots that would not be in tourism guides.

2-They like to connect with someone or, perhaps a website that can  recommend based on their needs and not the masses. As well , the ability to be in touch with local people or someone that can be a liaison between locals and them via email, texting or by phone.

3-They would like to enrich their experience, since many have no concept of travel in Italy. To receive the knowledge to help experience the true flavour of Italy, people and places that otherwise they may have missed.

4-They want to feel that they can lose the anxieties about planning the trip by being reassured about the country and their travel plans. Having options about where to start and finish, and what type of accommodations.

5-Travellers want someone with knowledge of the land so they are able to be recommended on the routes to take. As well, they want a good understanding about traffic, parking costs and hotel room sizes as well as the best airport to utilize to avoid delays and traffic in larger and busier airports.

Read my post on Italian culture habits  since the more you know about their culture the more fun you’ll have travelling through their country

Food, Wine, Food, Wine

6-They want food, food and food!  Wine, wine and wine! But also an understanding of Italy’s obsession with both.

7-Travellers want someone with a deep understanding of the culture. Being able to receive valuable tips so they feel less like a tourist, or at least feel more like a savvy tourist.

8-They want help in managing, and organizing their trip. To get the most of their time as well as avoiding over spending due to poor planning, lack of knowledge or limited research.

9-They want someone to recommend niche things that can get them off the beaten track and away from tourist crowds, and how to avoid pitfalls and time wasters.

Bonus!

10-And finally. Travellers that were surveyed want to enjoy a true experience of the culture and feel immersed in it. And of course, have a memorable trip.

Often when I asked  more detailed questions such as “food” for instance, all of the surveyors wanted to experience Italian food at its best, but were not aware of that particular country’s obsession with it. Many were not aware of the difference in regional dishes. Often, there are rivalries between towns and their dishes or wines. Italians are passionate about everything. From politics, sports, art and especially food, they are passionate about it all.

Another concern was getting around the country, in a car, due to their lack of knowledge of the Italian language. This should not be a deterrent, as Italy is very organized for tourists. Driving there should be positive addition to the trip. English is spoken throughout the country and for sure in all of the airports, car rentals, museums and hotels.

So…pack your bags and let’s go to Italy… together!

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.

5 Things to Know about Low Cost Airlines and Italian Trains

Low Fares, Low Fares

1– One great thing about low cost airlines and Italian trains are their fares. Low! With the airlines on the other hand, Its important to understand their game and how they make extra money off of you if you don’t pay attention.

Don’t Get Fooled

2– Train station are the most common place to find pickpocketers so be aware of your surroundings. Gypsies and Roms often gather in groups and while one or two get your attention the others picks your wallet out of your purse or pocket.

As a precaution, don’t engage in a conversation with a stranger unless they are speaking English and or look lost. In bigger stations such as Centrale in Milan and  Naples no one is allowed  on the platform without a ticket so usually those people are travellers. Nonetheless  occhio“. Keep an eye open as they say in Italy and you’ll be fine.

Know Your Way Around

3– Shuttles often run from train stations to airports but you need to make sure they run when you need it.  Give yourself plenty of time as traffic is pretty intense in major cities. If you are taking a taxi ask how much it’s going to cost you  before you enter.Remember that they may tag on charges for luggage and after hours rates.

Effective April 2018 Uber is illegal in Italy.

If it isn’t an official taxi…walk away

4– Do not let anyone who is not an official taxi take you anywhere. These abusive drivers are all over the sidewalks as you exit the airports or train stations. Sometimes they are right at the arrival areas. Although they are a nuisance and illegal, authorities can’t really get rid of them.  Stick with the original visible taxies.

Read also  Getting Around Italy with Trains and Planes to get a better understanding.

Trains…the way to go

5– Trains are well maintained and comfortable. You don’t have to book a 1st class ticket. I recommend a reservation if you travel in the summer. If you do have a reservation, make sure you get on the right train car otherwise you’ll never get to your seat if the train’s hallway is congested with passengers and their luggages.

 In Italy your luggage stays with you at all times, therefore travel light if you can.

Avoid reserving seats, if you don’t mind seating away from each other save your money. Most flights within Europe are for a short distance anyways..

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.

‘Till then…Buon viaggio.

13 Italian Cultural Habits…and 7 Habits Foreign Tourists Don’t Understand


 Italian Cultural Habits. Some things you just need to know.

Cultural Habits, thats right. Italians are different in that way. You are heading to Italy and are excited about the food and the wine you will enjoy.  You can’t wait to step back into time. Walk the streets that the ancient Romans walked. See the art from great artists and relive the history. You want to experience Italy through the eyes of Italians.

If that is the case, there are some things that you should know.  Just so you don’t stand out, or at least so that you can understand why Italians do the things they do.

After all when in Rome…

-I know that it’s odd, but in Italy waiters serve bread to the table without oil and balsamic and for sure they will never ever bring you butter.

Bread is essential to any dinner or lunch table. Its primary purpose is to have it with the meat dishes, secondi, or to snack on before the pasta arrives. And for a traditional scarpetta; Cleaning off the plate of the tomato sauce with a chunk of bread after finishing your pasta. Avoid eating your pasta with bread, though. That would scream horror and definitely labels you as “another tourist.”

-Italians always end their meals with a caffè espresso.  In some cases, individuals may choose an espresso corretto which means, corrected with a splash of grappa or brandy. At times, but very rarely, someone may ask for a macchiato or a drop of cold milk. Never would they have a cappuccino after a meal. You will definitely get a sarcastic comment from the waiter or at the very least an insulted look.

Cappuccino is a meal in itself for Italians as it is the choice of beverage for breakfast, by itself or with a cornetto or brioche. Sometimes they have it in the afternoon . But after a three course meal it’s a total no, no… nooooo!

Un caffe’ per favore

-Coffee in Italy is a culture and it’s enjoyed several times daily. Unlike in North America where we tend to sip a 20oz for several hours, Italians prefer to have it al banco (at the bar counter), down it and move on with their day, or at least until the next one. Because they are a sociable society they often invite someone to have a caffè with them and to share a few words before they all go their separate ways. It’s an inexpensive commodity and easily offered to friends and acquaintances. Its not just a cultural habit. It’s a daily one. Of course if coffee is not your choice there is always room for a gelato. One a day keeps the doctor away!

italiabound.com

– Avoid dining with milk. Even children do not have milk with meals. The number one choice of beverage at during a meal is… water! Still or sparkling, but definitely water. You will be charged for it, too. In a pizzeria a bibita gassata (soft drink) is sometimes enjoyed with a pizza, especially for the little guys.  At least if you do ask for a soft drink, you won’t get any weird stares.

Wine with your pizza? Really?

Wine on the other hand is not recommended with a pizza. No funny faces from the waiter if you do. Italians mostly enjoy beer with it. Order a glass of milk and you’ll never hear the end of it. Dining with a cocktail is almost as bad as ordering milk or juice. Have your Martini or Campari as an aperitivo but move on to wine as soon as you are seated.

-You will notice that at 6 or 7 in the evening, many bars are crowded with aperitivi goers. It’s sort of like happy hour if you will, but here you can have food that is all free as long as you order a drink. Here is where you would have an aperitivo, pile onto your plate a few samples of different specialties and enjoy the food and the conversation.

Maybe tomorrow

-Italians have certain habits down to an art. It’s not a coincidence that every other country in the world looks at Italians with envy when it comes to living life. They definitely have defined and perfected a few phrases. “La dolce vita” (the sweet life) and “Il dolce far niente,” (the sweetness of doing nothing at all). Two quotes that define the Italian love for life and the recognition that constant running around and being too busy is not always necessary, nor is healthy.

italiabound.com relax italian style

Many foreigners may see that as being “lazy” but, considering the country and its peoples’ achievements over the centuries, that argument hardly stands. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt for others to adopt some of these habits, particularly when traveling in Italy. But hey, why not take it home and add it to your everyday life too.

-Italians don’t like fast food restaurants as they don’t give enough time to engage in conversation and enjoy the food prepared, which also means that they prefer eating in company. It’s hard to talk about the food if you are the only one at the table or if everyone is in a rush.

Ciao come stai? Let’s go for a caffe’

– Italians put so much emphasis on  general conversation. There is nothing more rude in Italy than to cross someone on the street and say “Hi how are you!?” And then just keep on walking (as we might do in North America). If you ask, expect an answer and a long conversation. People congregate on the sidewalks, in the piazza, under the portici or at markets. They always find a subject to discuss. They may just ask about family and life in general. So slow down and do enjoy the small things in life.

Italians al bar italiabound.com travel Palermo Italy

-Family is an important aspect of their lives. In some cases, no wage increase is enough to move away from close family. As I recall, a very good friend of mine refused a substantial wage increase because the heartache of his daughter being raised too far away from the grandparents just wasn’t worth the money or the 800 kilometre move. Life is too short, simply put.

 -Kids are brought up around wine and spirits and because of that they grow up with little interest in drinking. Since they don’t drink milk, juices or soft drinks at meals, often their parents may add a drop or two of wine in the water, but mostly they drink plain water. Children are always surrounded by wine, and often snob it as they get older.

-Children are in constant contact with adults. What I mean is that children are not overlooked when adults are invited to dinners or parties. Unless otherwise stated, expect them to bring their bambini to a friend’s dinner. If they show up without their kids, the host would be surprised and question why they aren’t present.

 

3 Unique Experiences of Art and Culture in Italy

Ciao Bella. Where are you going?

-Because Italians live in the cities and in apartmentrs, they love to spend their time outside. The weather is a big help, even in the winter. Spending time outdoors regenerates their well-being. Fresh air is a luxury when you live in the city and the outdoor is precious. It’s not difficult to find kids, elders and teens congregate outside and enjoy one another’s company in parks, on boulevards or in a piazza. Sunday is a family day and short trips visiting neighbouring towns for long lunches are quintessential for their dolce far niente lifestyle.  As well evening passeggiate, strolls to the town centres.

-Dressing up is very important for Italians. I read an article years ago that Italians are the number one buyers of signature clothing and like to show them off. Signature handbags are the number one accessory amongst women and wallets for men, mostly Italian designers, but not necessarily. If they are going to buy something, it’s going to be a renowned griffe.

…And just to be fair.

Here are some things that foreigners dislike, don’t appreciate or don’t understand about Italians. And why not? After all, not everything that glitters is gold, and even a wonderful place like Italy has its faults.  

-Noise. Italians are… noisy. They are loud, they yell. And not because they are mad or upset, but simply because they believe that yelling gets the point across better. They love the horn on their car. If it’s there, use it!. They love to use hand gestures when talking. It’s nothing personal, but to them it’s not rude to talk loud and with lots of hand and finger gestures.

Lets go for lunch

– Italians hate fast food, but tourists also dislike the fact that Italians take forever to finish their meals. Since they would rather take their time to eat, Italian life in general stops around lunch. Stores close for 3 or 4 hours during the middle of the day. Banks stay closed until 4pm and even gas stations shut down for lunch. Of course restaurants are open, but only until 2:30pm. If you choose not to eat during that time, you’ll have a difficult time finding a restaurant that is open.

It’s closed? Why is it a holiday?

Tourists, especially North Americans, want everything at their finger tips. In Italy, it doesn’t work that way. Restaurants close at 2:30pm and don’t open again until 7 or 8 pm. Stores, boutiques, banks, government offices, gas stations and even factories all close down for lunch and some don’t even reopen in the afternoon.

Naturally, if you are in an area with lots of tourists, you will have everything at your fingertips.  Everyone caters to tourists and almost everything is always open, but is that really the Italy vibe that you are looking for?

Two sunny side up please. Or not!

-Foreigners dislike Italian choices for breakfast. Lunch is the biggest meal, there is no need for a massive breakfast. Unless you are staying in a franchise hotel where continental breakfasts are served, many places will offer a cappuccino with a few different white flour breads with jams, cookies or brioche and that’s it. Bars or caffè will serve pastries and maybe panini in the morning, but if you are looking for bacon and eggs, well… good luck.

-Italians are romantic people so don’t be alarmed or offended if you see couples kissing and hugging in public on their Vespa or on a park bench. When young couples are in love, well, the whole world must know about it. At the same time, going for a passeggiata  with arms linked, is normal (even for guys).

-Smoking is one of those habits that Europeans do more than North Americans. Socially it is still not seen as a bad habit nor is it rude to light up in an outdoor restaurant. As someone who also does not smoke, I find it “not to my taste” but until laws change, there too, we have to endure this cultural habit.

Il Bambino is Bravo, No?

-“Kids rule and have little respect.” That’s what a few people have said to me about Italian’s kids. Yes, to a certain extent I have to agree. Kids are raised by their parents and grandparents to be the centre of the world… well maybe the universe.

Family adore, love and spoil  their children to the point that they can do no wrong and the grown ups seem to always find an excuse to justify their behaviour.  Italian kids are the only ones that I can think of that have no problem mingling with adults and chat up a storm without any shyness nor problems.

Nonetheless, they are respectful and talk to elderly people with respect and politeness, but maybe with a loud voice.

You First?… No Me first…Ciao

-Line ups. They don’t like them. If they can sneak by you, they will. Whether it’s at the bank or at a red light.  If they are on some type of a two wheeler, then line ups don’t exist, nor traffic for that matter. Even 90 year old grandmothers, if they can sneak by, will do so.

So, now that you know a little bit more about Italians, you can head there and really enjoy the country and its people. Italy is a very friendly, hospitable and generous country with a few quirks. But then again, that’s why you are there; to enjoy and experience every aspect of Italians and Italy. And if those quarks weren’t there, well then you’d be in a different country.

‘Till then… Buon viaggio

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.