10 Things We Learned in Italy -KK/LL

1. A trip to Lake Como does not include George Clooney. #noonetoldusthat

2. A nice wine, paired with freshly baked bread and an assortment of artisanal cheeses, is good for the soul. (Linda)

3. Espresso. Olive oil. Handmade pasta. Not necessarily all at the same time but definitely all in Italy. Buon appetito! (Kristi)

4. One can never be too fashionable in Milan, Italy.  In order to blend, bring black pants, black top and maybe carry a cigarette even if you don’t light it. We had none of those things and there was concern the Milan Fashion Police may have had a tip to apprehend us.

5. You can walk on the top of the Milan Cathedral, amongst the spires, buttresses and gargoyles. If you ever have the opportunity to do this...do it! The views are unsurpassed and it is a very special experience.

6. The World of Leonardo DaVinci exhibit in Milan is all that. It focuses mainly on his inventions with real working models made to Leonardo’s exact specifications and includes interactive 3-D digital reproductions and copies of his codices.

7. Bergamo is not talked about much as a tourist destination, but it is a treasure trove of cute shops and restaurants. Old Town perched high on the hilltop behind ancient Venetian Walls is historical and walking those cobblestone streets feels like walking onto a movie that's set in old Italy.

8. Eat gelato every day.

9. We love the small businesses in Italy, and elsewhere in Europe. It is well worth separate stops to get fresh produce from the market, meat from a butcher, and bread from a baker. Plus the shop owners are authentic and they get excited to discuss the foods. We did not see any Costcos. (Beginning to wonder if anyone really needs to be able to buy their meat where they buy their big screen TV anyhow.)

10. AirBandB, VRBO or Home Away are great ways to embed yourself when you visit other countries. It's nice to have a place to call "home" that actually IS a home with a kitchen, bedrooms, etc...and often other extras like a fireplace, books and movies, local insight/advice from the owners.

(Bonus) If the corkscrew breaks at your AirBandB late at night, be aware that while Italian grocery stores may have walls of wine, they don’t necessarily sell corkscrews. #addtotravelpackinglist