Italia

I had a conversation with a friend who is native Italian and lives in America. 

He told me how corrupt and inept the government is. 

I had to agree. 

He suggested that the Italian Army hasn't won a war since the caesars. 

How can it be argued? 

Italian law is -- strange. 

True, I confessed.

I said, "Gianpaolo, there are things that the Italians do very well: Men's shoes, suits and women's fashion, cars, food and women. In the categories where the Italians try to do well, they do better than anybody else." He could do nothing but agree with me with a nod and a knowing smile.