1) The internet is not way better than Siena. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, go to Siena for at least a few days.

2) Ok, calling Italian women gross was too broad of a stereotype.  But, it’s definitely a million euros a dozen.

3) As previously noted, the food continues to get better each meal.  I’m not kidding.  It’s amazing to see how capitalism/greed has killed American “fine” or casual dining.  When it takes less than 30 minutes to make multiple fresh pasta dishes and feed a group of people, there’s no reason an Italian restaurant in America should buy noodles from Sysco because it’s easier and quicker.  Seriously, my favorite eateries in Chicago have been put to shame by the simplest hole in the wall restaurants in Tuscany.  Maybe that’s too deep of a thought but you’ll understand the distaste for American food and “passion” behind this post if you get a sampling of some Tuscan food.

4) Judging by the cars you see on the highways, Italians/Europeans definitely think Ford first.  If not first, then second or third.  I see how Ford turned a profit in Q1.  Amazing – Ford should release their standard 4 door European car that I’ve been seeing everywhere in America.  It’s efficient but large enough for a family.  No, it’s not the ugly Ford focus we’re used to in the states…it actually looks decent.  Ford, this isn’t rocket science – you figured things out in Italy/Europe.  Now duplicate the business model of making decent/efficient cars in America.

5) A week in Tuscany is enough but not too much.  I’m definitely looking forward to the Amalfi Coast and rumored intense drive.

6) I’m enjoying eating once a day…maybe twice at the most.  Best diet ever equals good food in healthy portions and 82 degree weather.  Wine – which I could previously do without – can definitely make a good second meal on its own.

7) Our English hot air balloon tour guide says Italians mock freedom of speech.  Ha – hail Mussolini, eh? That didn’t work out so well.

8 ) Not having the internet readily available is fcking nuts.  Screw the tv but I would trade electricity and/or running water for the internet.  I guess if I’m trading electricity for the internet the computer wouldn’t turn on.  So, I would trade running water for the internet.  When your time runs out – as is the case now (again) – it sucks.

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…