Excluding 1 and 2, the following are based solely on a subset of “data” gathered after 4 days…

1) The internet is a way better time than Galleria degli Uffizi (purposely no link) could EVER hope to be. What a horrible tourist trap yet somehow it’s a “must see”attraction. Give me The Art Institute of Chicago ANY day of the week.

2) As noted pre-airport, Air Alitalia (purposely no link) is worthless. My chair was broken the entire flight, the Italian stewardess rolled her eyes when I asked for a different seat 5 hours into the flight since I got annoyed at slouching so that the person behind me didn’t have my chair resting on his crotch, I was elbowed on the head purposely after I asked for some soda, etc. But, the plane landed. Grazie.

3) Not that I’m looking – wife – but Italian women are gross. Everyone of them. Occasionally you think that’s a horrible stereotype but then the tourist starts speaking in fluent northern European or English accents.

4) There are 2 types of Italians – obnoxiously rude or overly friendly. There is no in between. Thankfully, we’re meeting an equal amount of each type.

5) As my sister noted while leaving here, Italian drivers are fcking crazy. The only thing Italians do fast is drive. EVERYTHING else is brutally slow.

6) On that note, Italian drivers may be fcking crazy but they know what they’re doing. Americans are the ones with the problem. These people are great drivers whether it be a car, bus, taxi, moped, or bicycle. They always (correctly) anticipate and accommodate for the next move.

7) As Rick Steves says, the next meal will be your best meal. It’s true. The food here is the best I’ve ever had. We took a cooking class – homemade pasta for everyone on our return.

8 ) If planning a trip to Italy, use a travel consultant. Leslie Erickson is great.  She saved us the cost to use her services – $250 – afre the very first thing she booked for us.  Outside of the touristy things everyone “must see,” everything recommended has been unbelievable and her coordinated planning alone has saved us at least $1000. No joke.

9) Don’t let your internet time run out before proofreading a blog entry. Ciao…