Few countries can match Italy for its sheer wealth of art and architecture, not to mention music, literature, the culinary
arts, fashion and modern design. Italy's identity is reflected in its regional diversity, with a wide range of dialects,
cuisines and architectural styles. Even within regions, you'll experience marked contrasts as the Gothic palaces of Venice
give way to the timber houses of the nearby Italian Alps, or the Renaissance splendors of Florence are left behind for
Tuscany's medieval towns.

And when you tire of exploring the country itself, there's always the dining, one of the glories of everyday Italian life
and one that the Italians take in leisurely fashion. Dining out in Italy usually takes longer than in the States. The typical
day's dining in Italy is kick-started with milky coffee (caffee latte) and maybe a cornetto, a croissant with a jam or custard
filling. Lunch and dinner typically start with appetizers (antipasto), and proceed to soup or pasta, followed by a main course
of meat or fish and vegetables, and winding up with fruit and cheese and/or dessert.

I'd say EVERYTHING. Salute.

I agree! Salute!

The people. There is a quiet strength of character that Italians have. I just love to be around them.

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"Where there is hatred let me sow love." Francesco D'Assisi

Croissant or cornetto with cappucino is rather new in Italy, even if very diffused.
In Rome, for example, the very traditional breakfast is made by "piazza bianca" (white pizza - also called 'focaccia' or 'schiacciata' or 'pizza genovese' in some other parts of Italy) with fresh "ricotta". If breakfast takes place after
10.30, "ricotta" is often replaced by mortadella.
In Rome there's a very traditional bakery (whose name is FRONTONI) where Romans go to have a traditional breakfast: they fill "pizza bianca" in many ways... ricotta, mortadella, salame milano, prosciutto cotto or... 'nutella' !!!
In a corner of Piazza Farnese there's a very old coffeeshop (called "vecchio baretto" - little old bar) where Romans can have the typical home's breakfast: huge cups of cappuccino and biscuits ORO SAIWA or GENTILINI. Buiscuits ORO SAIWA, GENTILINI, DORIA and MULINO BIANCO are in all Italians' houses... especially if there are some kids. In the past, cappuccino was not served in small cups (as now Italians bars do) but in very huge cups where at least 5 biscuits could float.

I think that what is right about Italy (and Europe in general) is the more relaxed approach to life in comparison with America. For example, in Italy a meal is almost considered to be sacred. People will sit at table for hours as they eat a slow and relaxing meal with friends and/or family. The American way says "Time is money" and lunch is eaten at train like speeds.

The Italian way is more about getting the most enjoyment out of life while at the same time being a productive member of society. It's kind of like the story my Italian professor once told me about his experience in Italy on Ferragosto. He could not find one ice cream shop open on this HOT day in august!! Why? because this holiday is sacred for Italians. It's a time when people close down business and enjoy being with family! In my opinion, family, friends, and relaxation on a holiday are far more important than any amount of money that could have been made on that day.

Sono d'accordo Giacomo. A proposito, come va il tuo italiano?
E vero che tu parli lo spagnolo alla perfeccione? Sai scrivere l'italiano? E sempre piu dificile scrivere che parlare. Non e vero?

Per me, non e vero. To speak, there is very little time to think. To write/type, it is easier to think (even check) the response first - I wish I could speak and think fast enough to converse properly. My written Italian is bad, but at least I have the time to make the best of a bad job.

Non lo so. Per me è facile parlare, scrivere. e leggere...ma è molto dificle capire l'italiano parlato.

I wouldnt even know where to begin.....so ill just say everything!

Yes, I would agree with Joe! What is right with Italy? "Everything"