Italy Useful Publications

Culture Shock!: Italy, Alessandro Falassi and Raymond Flower. Helpful tips for travelers about Italian life and culture. Marshall Cavendish, July 2008 (US$16).
Italy: The Best Travel Writing from the New York Times, Umberto Eco and New York Times writers. With stunning photographs, this anthology shows and tells the wonders of each town and city of Italy. Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2005 (US$50).
Living, Studying, and Working in Italy: Everything You Need to Know to Live la Dolce Vita, Monica Larner and Travis Neighbor Ward. A comprehensive guide for an extended stay or permanent Italian move. Holt Paperbacks, 2003 (US$17).
Touring Club Italiano (TCI), C. Italia 10, Milan (☎02 85 261; www.touringclub.com). Detailed maps, as well as guides on the food, heritage, and nature of Italy’s regions.

I(Talian)Tunes. Got an iPod? Bored on the plane ride over?
Here are a couple Italian favorites to get you tapping your feet on your way to the boot:
1. L'Italiano (The Italian; Toto Cutugno): Sing it and you’ll basically become one of them.
2. Il Canto degli Italiani (The Song of Italians; the national anthem): If you don’t become an Italiano, you can at least show your love and dedication.
3. O Sole Mio (Oh, My Sun; Giovanni Capurro): Usually sung by Pavorotti, Italy’s other famous son.
4. Bella (Beautiful; Giovanotti): A bad boy sings about a beauty. A basic descriptor of the Italian populace.
5. Caruso (Lucio Dalla): Pretend this is your last name to fit in?
6. Tu Sei l’Unica Donna Per Me (You’re the Only Woman for Me; Alan Sorrenti): Use it to pick up an Italian lover.
7. Bella Ciao (Unknown): An old anti-Fascist song. Not to be confused with "Ciao, bella!"
8. The Godfather Theme—Speak Softly, Love (Andy Williams): Prep for the mobsters.
9. Gli Ostacoli del Cuore (Obstacles of the Heart; Elisa): Those Italians are just so good at love songs.
10. Arrivederci Roma (Renato Rascel): Well, maybe for the return flight…