when going to italy:

Melissa:

1 .do not make the same mistake as i did and order a "latte" (just milk) instead of ordering a cappuccino!!! haha. this could be fatal.

2. if you combine french, spanish, and english, you can probably converse with the Italians.

3. italy, like france never has decent bathroom facilities so make sure you use them when they are free and present.

4. when all else fails talk with your hands

5. the fashion is a bit synthetic in italy. i personally did not like it because it was overly primped and plastic. the men were a little too manicured and the women too processed looking... think victoria beckham. not really my idea of beauty. oh and they love fur! i saw many older women with fur coats. (Well just look at Donatella Versace).

In France, at least southern france most people wear all black, the men are very attractive of course and dress well, and the women are beautiful, but most of them seem to dress all the same and have the same types of haircuts. for young women long hair parted down the middle with straight bangs is very popular, also just long hair without bangs is popular. Almost all of the teenagers have black leather bomber jackets. And of course straight jeans with either boots or flats. There are a variety of haircuts for older women, many shortcuts. Although they dress well, they dress a little too synchronized for me. I think I will see more street types of fashion in Paris. :) i hope anyway!