5 pleasantly surpising discoveries about Italy

1)A sugary coffee and a pastry is considered a nutritious breakfast
Yep, order that cappuccino, chuck in at least a sachet of sugar and then order that greasy cornetto with nutella oozing out the sides. Because everyone knows the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world, right?!

2)'Getting drunk' is not part of the culture
...unless it's with dinner, and even then it's not a British 'getting drunk for the sake of it' type getting drunk. Don't get me wrong, I love drinking, but these days I save all my serious drinking for trips to England because here they don't really get it, and drunkenness isn't considered very acceptable in public. At first I missed my social crutch but I've come to appreciate that it's possible to stay out late without the aid of booze and still have a good time. I swear it's true! And the next day isn't a write off either.

3) The willingness to 'overlook' problems
Tell the doctors at the hospital you're strugling to afford all the lotions and potions they are prescribing you? Don't worry, just slip these things from the stock cupboard into your bag, but make sure you don't flash them around on your way out. Get caught on the bus without a ticket? Not to worry this time love, there are plenty of fare-dodging Romanians we can fine instead. If it works to your advangtage the 'willingness to overlook' can be a time and hassle-saving wonder.

4) Scooter riders are not always cool
Think of Rome, think of cobbled streets filled with impeccably dressed, dark-haired handsome people radiating cool as they buzz around town on their sooters? For the most part your image is fairly accurate. However come to Italy in winter and you will witness the 'moto blanket', a blanket not unlike a common dog basket blanket, attached to the front of the bike and spread over the knees during the winter months to keep off the chill (probably about 10 degrees). It is pleasantly surprising to fnd a chink in the Italian armour of 'cool', and this spectacle never fails to raise a smile from me because, frankly, the moto blanket looks ridiculous!

5)Public holidays are treated as actual holidays
People get dressed up in their sunday best, visit friends with trays of pastries, and go on strolls round the city with their families. If you've ever been to England and spent a rainy bank holiday traipsing round a crowded shopping centre you will undrestand why this is a pleasant novelty.