pixstix.biz: Time to go Home

What have I picked up while on my "expedition"?

Patience is a virtue, but you waste a lot of time achieving it. I can't tell you how much time I have waited for idiots, who have no clue that other people inhabit this world, to move out of a shot.
Croisants in Italy have powdered sugar and a filling.
You have to lock your hotel door from the inside, it is often not a automatic thing, and you have to lock it on the way out. Twice around.
Crossing streets in Italy is a game of intimidation. Make eye contact and force them to stop while you walk across, otherwise they will have the advantage and never let you go.
Traffic lights are sort of there just to add color to the intersection. Few people pay attention to them. If no one is ready to go when the light changes, they keep going.
Scooters are everywhere and worse than cars. They sneak in between cars.
If there is a space of more than 5 feet in front of them, Italian drivers try their best to hit 100KPH.
Remember when you sit down at that beautiful patio table that you will be surrounded by smokers. It is the only restaurant seating that allows smoking. And it seems EVERYONE smokes. Walking the street is contact cancer.
Always use the front or rear cars on the subways and metros, as the majority get on in the middle, and that's where the pickpockets work. Don't let anyone slow you down getting on board, cause they are taking your goods. PUSH THROUGH!
I haven't met anyone that a simple smile and a laugh won't help translate a language barrier.
The food in Europe is healthy, fresh and good for you. American food is trying to kill you!!
Caffe gets everyone going in the morning, and by mid-morning most are crashing and nodding off. Then they light up and keep going.
The trains are great in Europe. Even in Italy where they are never not on time - the passenger is either early or late!
There is so much to see and do here, that it is overwhelming. Calm down and don't expect to do it all. Plan on coming back.

There's more I am sure but I am packing my bag for that 6:30 flight tomorrow and with an hour's drive to the FCO, and two hours ahead of international flight, I up at 3AM. Then it's three flights and a drive to Ventura. Let me see if I can find a shot to fly home on.