TO DO WITH TIME...

TIME CHANGE: Italy is 6 hours ahead of the east coast of North America and 9 hours ahead of the west coast.  You lose time going to Italy and gain time coming back.  

TRAVEL TIME: From eastern North America, a direct flight takes 7 or 8 hours. From western North America, figure on 14 to 18 hours if the connections are good.  You will arrive THE NEXT DAY. 

TELLING THE TIME: The 24 hour clock is used. (Add 12 to the time after noon).

THE ITALIAN TIMETABLE: Be prepared to push mealtimes back and take an afternoon nap. In tourist areas you can find places serving meals at virtually all hours.

For Italians, lunch is normally around 13.30 (1:30pm).

Most shops as well as the banks, tabacchis, edicolas and even the tourist offices shut down for riposo (nap time) from about 13.00 to 16.00 (1:00 to 4:00 pm).

Dinner usually happens around 20.00 or 21.00 (8 or 9 pm). In non-tourist areas restaurants may not even be open until 19.30 (7:30pm). You might want to have a little coffee or aperitivo and snack around 17.00 or 18.00.

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