My observations about Italy / Rome, so far:

• "Everything is in its place, but nothing is in order" <-- so true.
• Hot Chocolate is very thick here - it's like molasses!
• Unlike St. Louis, a rainy morning on Monday does not mean a cloudy, muggy week
• Italians talk very fast - multo veloce
• Italians have one rule when parking: park wherever there is space.
• You can easily spot a tourist. Just look for someone with a map. (Without one, good luck navigating the narrow, crooked, and poorly-marked streets of Rome!).
• If you're American, remember to order water senza gas .
• I haven't had an Espresso, but I hear they're quite the kick. Should I try one?
• Italy vs. Europe - it's actually quite true: