Had lived in Italy years ago and don't ever recall seeing one person from China in Italy. This summer when I went to Italy found that Italy is full of Chinese people now. The school I went to had many many students from China. (made some good friends from China while over there and still keep in contact with them.)One of the grocery stores was owned by a Chinese person. There are several good Chinese ristoranti in Perugia too. Really like Chinese food!

At first glance it seems strange seeing all these Chinese people in Italy but when you think about it, it makes complete sence. After all didn't Marco Polo go to China?! Isn't this after all just a legacy of Marco Polo and that drive of Europeans to try to find a way to the far East? After being in Italy for awhile got use to seeing a lot of Chinese around. Seems quite natural to me.

Heard something about the Italian government and China having an agreement of this cultural exchange. There are many Chinese students in Italy on scholarships. Anybody know anything about this agreement?

I established my cultural exchange with the cinese many years ago. Fortunately, I didn't have to come to an agreement with the Chinese government - only her mother. That was in 1976. Since then we've been conducting exchange programs in Italia since 2002. Sorry, Villa, I couldn't resist messing with your serious question.

Molto divertente Stevie.

Villa they are many everywhere!! =)

More and more Chinese have enough money and free time to travel nowadays,and Italy is always a popular destination.
About cultural exchange,check out here:
http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/feature/Sino_ltaly_culture_year/default.htm

ps:I posted this several days ago,but when I come back today,it disappeared!How strange!And I have to repost.