**The Blissful Adventurer is running about Italy at the moment so in his stead we happily endorse and support the work of the following blogger, Airports Made Simple. Please check out this post, leave comments for exchange with the author, and give their blog a read.**

Venice, Italy, 2004: The beauty of The Piazza, pigeons flocking about, and… harried Americans.

Other than the incredible beauty of this historical city, I was struck by travelers who didn’t “get” why they were here:

To relax
Enjoy the moment
Savor the wine
Observe the locals
Eat food at out-of-the-way places

If you’re visiting Venice anytime soon, take note:

Americans: Think feeding the pigeons in Piazza San Marco is cool.
Italians: Think feeding pigeons that poop on you is akin to making friends with a rabid bat.

Americans: Think leaving the windows open (on the canal, at night) is a great idea. Local flavor.
Italians: Know if you leave your windows open, you won’t be able to get your eyes open from all the mosquito bites.

Americans: Are waaaaaaay too uptight about drinking wine with lunch.
Italians: Drink wine with lunch, dinner, any pretty much anytime they damn well feel like it.

Americans: Expect to hear Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore” when plopping down $250 for a gondola ride.
Italians: Prefer to sing songs like AC/DC’s “Back in Black.”

Americans: Life = speed. In eating, walking, or waiting for our food and drink in a restaurant.
Italians: Are indifferent to hurry. Don’t speed through Life with absent presence. Serve food when it’s ready. Get where they’re going when they get there.

Americans: Drive like our ass is on fire. All the time.
Italians: Drive like their ass is on fire IF their ass is actually on fire. Most walk.

Americans: Take trips.
Italians: Take vacations.

Italy is a feeling.

Murano glass, handmade pasta and breathtaking architecture are their symbols.

We need to catch up.

CLICK HERE for more info about AirportsMadeSimple.com.