🇮🇹 Lessons from Italy (Part 2)

"More insider tips to survive (and thrive!) in Italy" 🌟 💧 Water & Essentials 1️⃣6️⃣ Free sparkling water fountains in Rome! Bring a sturdy bottle (local ones are flimsy). 1️⃣7️⃣ Toilets = €1 (card accepted). Free in museums/restaurants. 🚶♀️ Survival Kit 1️⃣8️⃣ Cobblestones demand thick-soled shoes! 👟 1️⃣9️⃣ Church dress code: Covered shoulders/knees. No photos near altars! 🍕 Food Hacks 2️⃣0️⃣ Pizza by the slice saves stomach space! Ham = salty, no sweet pizzas here. 2️⃣1️⃣ Dogs everywhere—ask before petting! 🐕 2️⃣2️⃣ Fruit alert: Strawberries/peaches taste "natural" (not sugary). Watch for rotten pre-cut fruit! 💰 Budget & Language 2️⃣3️⃣ Pasta = €10-20. Avoid summer—hot, crowded, expensive! 2️⃣4️⃣ Basic Italian: Ciao = Hi/Bye Buongiorno (bwon-jor-no) = Good morning Grazie = Thanks 🍖 Must-Try Dishes 2️⃣5️⃣ Milan: Cotoletta (fried veal chop) Florence: Skip pricey T-bone—try lampredotto (tripe sandwich)! Rome: Granita (syrupy shaved ice) + Spritz ⏰ Timing is Everything 2️⃣6️⃣ Short hours: Duomo opens at 10:15AM, closes by 3:40PM. Hit museums first! 2️⃣7️⃣ Book tickets early for Colosseum/Uffizi/Vatican. 🍽️ Dining Pro Tips 2️⃣8️⃣ Skip restaurants! Google Maps 4+ stars with 100+ reviews = hidden gems. 2️⃣9️⃣ European elevators: "0" = ground floor. Don’t panic at "1"! #ItalyTravel #Rome #FoodieTips #TravelSmart