Common sense, people. Common. Sense.

Someone recently asked me to give them advice on a tricky situation in Italy.  After an explanation of the situation (which yes, was very tricky indeed), I spent an hour or so doing to research on how to work your way around the rules.  I was unsuccessful (surprise), but I did find over and over and over again an explanation of the laws that this person was in violation of.

Here's my question: Isn't survival of the fittest supposed to thin out the pack? Now I know that survival of the fittest has a different connotation today than it might have for the cave dwellers........but come on!  If you were going to move to Antarctica, would you not do a google search on the warmest winter clothing?  If you were cooking dinner for a kosher person, would you not look up what foods were acceptable?  If you were going to buy a car, would you not shop around a little bit?  So how do some people end up in these situations and then need someone else to help them get out of it?  I would bet you money that it's because they didn't bother to read the paperwork, do a google search, or ask anyone what they should do to get ready.

Here's the thing about Italy: there are laws, there are rules, and there there's what people actually follow.  We all know that no one follows the speed limit in Italy.  We also know that they don't pay attention to one way streets, driving cautiously, or parking in a calm, organized, and rational manner.  This is why we love taking pictures of tiny little Italian streets with 85 cars parked in the space that should only fit 4.  Another lovable fact about Italy is the.....I'm looking for the right word here.....loose? enforcement on some of their laws.  However, does that mean if you're a tourist that you should ignore them?  I would say no.  Failure to follow the laws of another country can result in you ending up on one of my favorite National Geographic shows: Locked Up Abroad.

So my dear ones, here are some rules to live by when planning your trip to Italy:

1.  Remember that Italy is part of the EU so not only do you need to inform yourself of Italy's regulations, but also those of the EU.

2.  When in doubt, go with the flow.  As stated above, Italians are not known for being great obeyers of rules, but you don't want to be the one who sticks out.

3.  Do not advertise that you're a foreigner.  Believe me, it's already obvious, so don't do anything to intensify your other-ness (white socks, college sweatshirts, baseball hats, yelling in English, etc).