History. Culture. Pizza. Pasta. Vino. Fashion. Good looking people. Great looking landscapes. La dolce vita.
Firenze
These are the things the mind conjures up when one thinks of Italy. Those first few sweet images of Italy – the joys, the loveliness, the simple pleasures that make the country so attractive to so many. When you think of “Italy”, especially those of you who have never visited before, it’s these beautiful things that take first place. And so they should, in a sense.
Practicalities come to mind only after you’ve gone through a movie-reel of wonderfully attractive images, sounds, tastes and smells that make you wish you were on a plane to Rome, right now. But let me tell you, the practicalities of Italy are molto importante, especially for the first time traveller to Il Bel Paese. At best, Italy is controlled chaos. At worst, well… Be prepared.
Over the past few weeks I’ve been working escorting groups of Canadian students around Italy. For many of them, it’s their first visit, and I’ve found myself repeating the same advice over and over again. That’s when Practical Italy came to mind: a series of posts dedicated to the practicalities of Italy, with the aim of helping you have a smooth soggiorno (stay) in this lovely country.
First up? Money, money, money. Stay tuned!
Not Just Another "Dolce Vita" 
i’ve been in Rome a month now, and prior to arriving and when I first got here, I certainly had that impression of Italy as la dolce vita. one month in – the practicalities of life here certainly weighs more on my mind. Can’t wait to see what you write!
Ciao Jessica!
Thanks for following my blog and for commenting. A fellow Canuck, eh? What are you up to in Rome? I’m actually in the Eternal City myself right now with a group of students. How are you finding it? Ciao for now!
Ciao! haha I am also “too tall to be Tuscan”. I’m in Rome for a few months working on an internship. I find Rome chaotic, but appreciate how wonderful it is at the same time. Sometimes I find Vancouver (where I am from) a little too monotonous 🙂
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