Just back from a trip to Italy.... I had always believed Italians to be suave, fashionable and sophisticated.... that perception has been well and truly busted. Many Italians, even young kids, are grossly overweight, they are noisy and often downright rude and scruffy. In fact, one observation about Naples is that it has to be the scruffiest place I have ever been. Driving there is an experience. It seems that Italian drivers ignore every sign and drive as if no one else is on the road. And those scooters... wow. I wonder how many accidents there are a day involving scooters?

Had a nice time but it truly shattered my ideas about Italy and Italians.

Naples airport is shabby and far too small. Crowded chaos. Leaving the airport I thought I was at Disney World with cars, scooters and other vehicles coming at me from every angle and even pedestrians simply stepping out in front of you without looking. Total and utter chaos.

And the food - pasta, pizza and chips. No wonder they are overweight.