useful things to know when you are in Italy

One of the major risks while visiting Venice is being hit by a pigeon (at least by this what they let drop to the ground). In case that happens to you don't grumble! Keep in mind the old venecian saying:

"Thank god cows have no wings!"

Say it three times and you will gain your mental balance back soon.

If you got stuck at the highways toll station: do NOT drive backwards!
Maybe you are lucky and nobody will bother you, but if they dot it will burn quite a hole in your holiday budget. So watch out.

If you want to talk to a responsible person in official places in Italy you won't find any. Bet on it. Except you do a little trick: Take a camera (the bigger the better) and take some shots of official buildings.
Then you will find the responsible person very soon. Well, rather it finds you standing right behind you within few minutes.
Btw. keep your passport handy except you want to take some pictures from inside an official building for a while. Bet on this, too.