I just returned to Canada after spending 2 weeks in Stresa/Milan, Venice and Florence.

I did lots and lots of research on Italy, including tips of what-to-do and what-not-to-do, best restaurants etc. etc. before leaving. The following are my observations/comments. Remember that they are reflecting my own opinions only:

- tips I read about Venice: walk in single line (streets are narrow) and don't stop/block the bridges

Reality: that's what I told my travel companions, but in reality many people walk to pairs, threes etc., even in narrow streets. They could be Italians, Germans, Americans or anybody. As for the bridges, they are (especially around San Marco) often blocked by tourists taking pictures.

- tips: all the advices about ordering what you want regardless of appertizer, first course (primo), seocnd course (secondo) etc.

Reality: true; most restaurants (osterias etc.) don't care what you order. The only thing is you may want to tell the waiter/waitress that you want certain things (soup, salad etc.) first, or whether you want them all at once.

- tips: don't order capuccino after 11 a.m.
Reality: again people don't care; many coffee places we went, the staff actually asked if we want capuccino even in the afternoon, evening.

- tips: I didn't see much of this broadcast: if you order coffee and/or sandwich in the coffee bars and stand up eating/drinking, the price is cheaper, versus sitting down, by as much as 50%

- tips: don't always trust recommendations. I read in a few places about "the best gelato shop in Florence" in Santa Croce (Vivolte - forgot exact name) and when we tried it, it turned out to be the worst gelato we ever tasted in Italy

That's all for now.

John,

Thanks for your contribution.

More of the travel observations from 2 weeks in Stresa/Milan, Venice and Florence:

Tips: in Venice, make sure you have some loose change like Euro 10 and 20 cents. There are many public WC/toilets but you need about 50cents Euro to enter.

Tips: Chichetti in Venice
I was so looking forward to tryying out the chichetti (small snacks like tapas) in Venice. Da Pinto was highly recommended in this website, but maybe the thread was a bit too out-dated. They still serve "chichetti", but as sampler plates. So in their menu, they would have meat samplers, seafood samplers, cheese samplers etc. and you'll have to order the whole plate instead of individual chichetti. It was good though.

I also tried the Vini al Bottegon Cantinone, San Trovaso bnear the Ponte Accademia. They sell chichetti by the piece, but the chichettis are all fairly similar: all have what appears to be a spread on small pieces of toast, only the topping differs (roasted pepper, anchovy, roast pork etc. etc.). I recommend trying it if you have never had chichetti before.

Tips: regional cuisine
I am not a picky eater but like to try different food. One thing I do find, whether in Stresa, Milan, Venice and Florence is that that food do not differ by much. I tried most the "recommended trattorias" there. I was disappointed not being able to find eateries that serve regional cuisine. By that, I mean for Venice, food such as Torresani allo spiedo ( pigeons roasted on the spit with salt pork basted with oil containing mashed bay leaf, rosemary, juniper berries), Granseola alla veneziana (the meat of boiled spider crab pounded in a mortar and served in the hollowed shell with olive oil, pepper, lemon, parsley), Pasticcio di polenta (layers of fried polenta and stew of wood pigeon with mushrooms baked in pie crust). I know that many dishes are seasonal, but recommend that if you really want to try the local specialty dishes, do more research on restaurants that serve such food up-front.

Tips: Florentine steak
Don't know if we were "misled", but the much-celebrated and recommended Florentine Steak, which I insisted one of my travel companion tried, turned out to be just plain T-Bone Steak!!!!
(although it was pretty good steak).

Hi John,

You certainly have done your gourmet research. Sorry it didn't work out as well as you might have hoped.

Anyone else with further suggestions?

topping

ttt

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One issue that often appears about cities or specific sites in Italy is the "IS _____ WORTH IT" query. Certain places seem to definitely fall into the "must see" category while others set off lively debates.

For example, The Leaning Tower of Pisa --- worth a visit ??? In my opinion, it doesn't warrant a high priority, especially if it's a first trip to Italy. I'd already made two trips to Italy before I decided Pisa needed to make my to do list.

But like I said, others express a different point of view . . . . . . >Is Pisa Worth It?<
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34427734

Hello everyone. First post here. This thread is a very interesting read and this board seems to attract some lively individuals. What caught my eye was the post by author, Sue_xx_yy responding to NYCFoodSnob. I found FoodSnob's condescension harmlessly playful, actually entertaining, and I have to concur that precise and accurate information is most helpful to all engaged in travel research. Otherwise, you waste readers time and do a disservice to those who count on this varied information as factual.

I believe international travel forums are a colloquial environment where grammar correction is inappropriate. What surprised me most was Sue_xx_yy's attack on FoodSnob's grammar because it couldn't be more incorrect. FoodSnob's use of the verb "may," present tense invitation, is the CORRECT usage in "You may wish to check out Venicescapes." Also, "final drop-off destination" is accurate because in preceding posts someone mentioned sharing a water taxi to reduce individual cost. If more than one party shares a water taxi, the possibility exists that there will be more than one stop. There's no redundancy here.

To get this back on track, and to carry on in the same vein as Tess's comment about "Is it worth it...?.

Hilltowns are another source of questions--is this one charming, should I visit this one or skip it for that one, etc. Our trip to Umbria with my husband and his brother and wife taught me that four people can be in the same hilltown and have four different opinions on it. Lesson learned: in regard to hilltowns, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What turns me on might leave you cold. Seek recommendations about good choices, but go with an open mind. Your expectations may be exceeded or disappointed, and that will have nothing to do with all the trip research you've done beforehand.

This is excellent, wonderful information! Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to share your knowledge. I don't mean to sound naive, (although I am new to this) but what does "Topping" mean?

Hi breathe,

When someone replies to a post, the thread goes to the top of the list.

"topping" or just "ttt" brings a post to the top of the list so that it is not lost.

Thanks ira. I get it. Can you tell me your feelings regarding Siena vs Arezzo?

*
For a Canadian perspective on traveling in Italy, go to ?CanuckAbroad? ---
http://www.canuckabroad.com/backpack/italy.shtml

Q. -- What does the Spanish Steps in Rome look like?
A. -- http://home.nycap.rr.com/pkm/italian/spanishsteps.jpg

VENICE:
http://www.veniceonline.it/Maps/Maps.asp (map of city)
http://turismo.regione.veneto.it/webcam/webcam2.html (webcam)

Thanx for your contribution, JBX.

To the top for Italy travelers

If you can't find a way to get the sink faucet to turn on in a restroom, check the floor below the sink. You may find a foot-operated lever (either one or two, hot/cold) to operate.

Just returned home last night from a trip to Torino and Cinque Terre. Please people-DO NOT WALK ALL OVER ITALY WITH YOUR RICK STEVES BOOK PRESSED AGAINST YOUR CHESTS!!!!!!As we were walking through Vernazzo down in Cinque Terre,I counted 14 people out of 20 within the first few minutes carrying his book.Xerox pages ahead of time or try and read before you go.....and to the couple who HAD to wear shorts and tank tops with Teva sandals on the flight to Milan out of Atlanta-the reason you were being pointed at on the bus and train from Malpensa was that it is fall,its cold and the outfits looked ridiculous! Thank you for letting me vent...now back to my horrible Folgers coffee!

I forgot to add that one of the first things that you should do when you arrive in Italy is go to a Tobacco shop and purchase two phone cards-one for INTER Italy and one for overseas to the USA or other parts of Europe. They were 5 Euros apiece and were a steal.The overseas card was for 3 hours/180 minutes!!!Great for calling home and also for using to check tourist prices for hotels,tours,etc. within Italy.

Dear dutyfree,

Thank you for your helpful postings.

To add to this helpful post.


Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps?study them in advance?and have a good navigator
* We have rented a car for 20 of our 22 trips to Europe. Our only mishap was a minor fender bender in a leased car, and that was in France.

Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is AUTOEUROPE [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, full mandatory insurance coverage, and VAT taxes. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.

Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers?both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing?you should too !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.

OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign ? SENSO UNICO? and take heed [ONE WAY ].

2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb?300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.

3. Do not attempt to follow road numbers?that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination[ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA?SIENA ETC.]

4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.