Some reflections on Italy

Well, it's been a few weeks since the trip to Italy for our first wedding anniversary. Man, some of those memories are still fresh in my mind - and that's saying something, coming from a person who is famous for being rather empty-minded at times. Don't worry, give it some time for those memories to gradually fade into oblivion. Thank goodness for cameras and video recorders! Traveling overseas to another country made me realize how different other cultures live, and how I take for granted certain aspects in life. Even though one can watch the travel channel and read articles on other countries (like I have), I've come to realize that it does not measure up to actually being there and immersing oneself in the midst of the culture. I admit I've been to Korea once before, but I was way too young and immature at that time to fully appreciate the opportunity of travel. Having been exposed to this Italian vacation was an invaluable learning experience. Some observations:

1. Do not take the water and bread that are served in restaurants here in the States for granted. In Italy, they are extras that - if you are not careful - will be added to the final tab. You need to actually tell the server that you do not want bread and/or water, and they will take them away. Although, as we have seen, expect to be given an attitude from that server the rest of your time at that restaurant...

2. The natives in Italy are pretty nice towards foreigners, if you at least attempt to communicate in their language (I think this holds true in any country).

3. Too many tourists!!!

4. I was blown away at the similarities in language between Italian and Spanish. I'm kicking myself for not paying more attention in my Spanish classes in college...

5. We are way too spoiled in terms of the amount of land we have here in the States. The typical residences in Italy are small apartments/condos, and since everything apparently is historic, nothing can be knocked down. Therefore, many of the buildings we saw can easily be 3 or 4 centuries old. Compare that to the new mansions and luxury townhomes being built all over the place here in the States...

6. The cars are very VERY small. The preferred method of transportation are bicycles/scooters. They have electric cars (literally the ones you plug into the wall). They have Mercedes-Benz public transit buses. They have no subway system.

7. Too many tourists!!!

8. They need a graffiti-blasters program in Italy - similar to what they have here in Chicago.

9. Michelangelo's David is amazing - but then again, a 500 yr old 14 ft statue is quite the spectacle no matter how you look at it (apron or no apron).

10. The street actors are very talented.

11. Did I mention that there are too many tourists?

12. Outdoor cafes are cool. Cars and/or bikes sneaking by right behind you while you eat is not cool. Proliferation of excellent wine in the country is very, very cool...