- are always in a rush, though this is perhaps just my experience of northern cities. I do not include dinner in this – I admire that Italians take a whole evening to dine and it is the main event of the night.

- are happy to help, regardless if you speak Italian or not.

- are passionate about smoking – I’ve never seen so many young people smoking!

- know their food well, and so they should, living in a country that offers some of the best dishes in the world.

- are beautiful. They take great pride in their appearance.

- possibly badly organized. On one occasion I arrived to Milan around 1am, and my friend forgot I was arriving and to pick me up with the car – I had to stay in a hotel!

On another occasion I left all my luggage in a friends car in Genova. After a football match he went home with all my stuff!

cheers!!