Friday 23rd December

Another day of shopping today, but a much better effort today in Italy than yesterday in Switzerland. We can only hope that Mario appreciates our efforts in stimulating the Italian economy - I certainly contributed to their foreign currency reserves today.
Another cold but sunny day, so that made trying on clothes a bit of a chore as there were several layers to take on and off. And a bit frustrating that the sizes tended to vary a from one brand to another - in Australia I'm a pretty much a size 8 in nearly any brand but here I've bought things that range from size 36 to 44. We're back at the hotel at the moment having a little drink before deciding where to go for dinner. It's quite amazing - you order a glass of wine, and they also bring your two antipasto platters with olives, semi dried tomatoes, nuts, salami, chips ... Very nice.
The excitement for today was that I ordered lunch all in Italian, and yes, we did get exactly what we wanted!
We have both commented on the stylishness of the Milanese - they dress impeccably always, rich and poor, definitely no tracky dack and ugg boot wearing Collingwood supporters here. Even Pete has taken to wearing his scarf appropriately draped around his neck and the three day growth thing happening, to blend in!
We never cease to be amazed by the drivers - their reverse parking skills are amazing; they park anywhere; the road rules seem to be more guidelines than rules; there might be two lanes, but hey, let's try and squeeze four cars in the space; Vespas can go anywhere they want at any time; blasting the car horn for at least five seconds is mandatory if someone doesn't move immediately the lights change.
There are thousands of motorbikes/Vespas, and lots of people also riding pushbikes (no helmets). Have seen a few Hondas - the type R is a type S here.
We have an all day trip to Lake Como tomorrow - leaves at 9am and returns just after 5pm, so that's how we will spend our Christmas Eve.
It will probably be Christmas Day in Australia by the time we do the next update, so Merry Christmas to all our friends and family - we miss you all very much.