Ending Week One/Observations and Lessons Learned

We are ending our first week in Italy.  I have already learned so much.  I will generously share my pearls of wisdom. 

1) Trieste is a fabulous city with much to see and do, including visiting nearby Croatia and Slovenia. 

Lesson learned: One week is not enough time to enjoy this city and area.

2) Wine is cheaper than water.

Lesson learned:  Drink more wine.

3) Italy makes some amazing chocolate.

Lesson learned: Eat more chocolate. 

4) Most women's bathrooms in Italy have no toilet seats.  I asked why, and was told this was done in an effort to help keep the bathrooms cleaner. Seems to me that whoever planned this, failed to ask the critical question, "What could possibly go wrong with this strategy? "

Lesson learned: Women... Practice using the restroom standing up at all times.  Please let me know how this works for you. 

5) Italian restrooms NEVER provide toilet paper.  I have no idea what they are thinking with this one. 

Lesson learned:  Pack lots of those little dollar store tissue packets.  I now know who buys those things.

6) I secretly harbored the notion that I might be an Italian language savant.  As it turn out, the more I drink the more free flowing my Italian becomes the longer I'm in Italy the more my Italian improves.  Unfortunately no Italian has yet to understand a word I have spoken.

Lesson learned:  We can't all be Italian language savants.

7) Everyone asks if you're going to bring home any of Italy's delicious food and drink. 

Lesson learned: Assure friends and family that you will be bringing home many of the wonderful and delicious treats that Italy has to offer.  You don't need to elaborate on the fact that you'll be carrying them home on your hips and thighs

Hope my observations are of assistance to future travelers.  

We are off to Ferrara tomorrow.  


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