Italy Post #16

Dear Readers,
What I've learned in Italy:

-Rain comes unexpectedly here, often in big drops.
-Stink bugs are abundant.
-Walking along the road is a guarantee for danger.
-Cappuccino's are a necessity to life. In general.
-The duomo provides endless inspiration.
-A small felt topcover is not enough to keep you warm at night.
-Not slipping on wet tile is an art form.
-Rusty old pianos sound better over time.
-Acoustics in a monastery can't be beat.
-Small children who love green and pirates are lots of fun!
-Taking shots isn't so bad.
-Hymns are the greatest thing EVER!
-The chocolate cake from Montanucci's is to die for!
-Cobblestones and wedges do not mix.
-A tiny kitchen is a recipe for disaster.
-The law of entropy double and triples when there are two or more people around.
-Cafe Barrique has the best view and the most comfortable seats.
-Almost everywhere is accessible by train.
-Orvieto Classico is the best white wine. And the cheapest.
-Almost everything here is more expensive. Except, oddly, cookies.
-Cookies here are delicious and often eaten for breakfast.
-Scarves are a must for every woman's closet.
-Every street eventually leads to the duomo.
-The Catholic mass is more beautiful in Italian.
-Puzzles make my life worth living for sometimes.
-The best thing they serve at Locanda del Lupo is pasta. And lasagna.
-Italians don't dip their bread in olive oil.
-Having the hope of visitors from home can pull you through a terrible week.
-Getting mail has never been so precious.
-The placemats at Locanda make excellent paper for letter-writing.
-Men are sketchy. Especially the old men.
-Poems can be difficult.
-There is such a thing as a Charismatic Catholic.
-Cobblestones are slippery when wet.