It was the first time for both of us visiting Italy and here are the 10 things we learnt about the country:

1. Italians love talking. God knows what about but it sure does sound exciting. This includes radio and tv channels – there’s essentially a lot of chat everywhere.
2. You can’t get food between 2-7pm. You’re left to forage berries and grass.
3. The same applies to breakfast that’s not coffee and cake.
4. Everything shuts for the hottest part of the day. I mean everything. Including people.
5. Despite the popular opinion food isn’t groundbreaking everywhere, a bit of disappointment really. In fact in some tourist spots it’s diabolical (we’re looking at you, Verona)
6. Every corner it’s so picturesque you turn could it into a photo postcard.
7. Italians are obsessed with shoes. Everyone is constantly checking out window displays of shoe shops and gasps in awe when they encounter a new model.
8. The national unisex drink is aperol spritz
9. Coffee are ice cream are distinct food groups and seem to account for about 50% of daily calories consumed
10. Bread. Comes with every meal and you pay 5 Euros for the privilege.