milano is not only a cookie.

Things to consider about Milan and the Italian culture:

1. Everyone drives a Vespa. This automatically makes everyone very cool.

2. Everyone drinks black coffee. Ehem, I mean espresso. This also makes everyone very cool.

3. Italian public displays of affection are, shall we say, very public. What can I say, closeness is part of Italian culture.

4. Pedrestrains apparently do not have the right of way. Thus, you must look 6 times before crossing the road and be wary of random automobiles, scooters, etc, that may appear out of nowhere.

5. Generally, everyone is very attractive, and generally, everyone has a fantastic sense of style. This makes everyone uber cool, once again.

6. Sitting down on the floor, on the steps, on a ledge, etc, in any public place immediately makes you a 'gypsy'. If you do this, you will get stared at and most likely will be given change.

7. Italians need lunch breaks too, so generally from 1 to 3 pm, every store shuts down.

8. Alcohol is to be consumed for enjoyment with food, and not for the sole purpose of intoxication. Silly Americans.

9. Tips are included in checks and not to be handed in addition to the price requested. Doing so results in frustration and offense.

10. Hand gestures are standard forms of communication. Theres a signal for everything. Useful to make across large rooms.

11. No need to be startled or embarrassed when you catch both men and women intently staring at you. Italians are just curious in nature and love checking everyone out - take it as a compliment...well, sometimes.

12. It takes hours to do simple tasks like fixing the internet, mailing a letter, checking out at the grocery store, etc, etc.

13. It is possible to ride a bicycle, while wearing stillettos.

14. There is no such thing as a single file line.

15. Communism and socialism are perfectly acceptable.

See, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHWBL9_alKs to give you more of an idea.