Ciao Chow on Spanish Steps

Italian cities are cracking down on ‘misbehaving’ tourists. After Venice banning picnics and bare torsos from St Mark’s Square, now Rome bans … snacking near the tourist attractions in historic centre during the tourist season (the ban was put in place last weekend and stays in effect until the end of October). The fine can set you back €50.

There is a skeleton in you luggage!

The Munich baggage control handlers had a quite a surprise when during a routine luggage scan, one of the bags showed human skeleton sealed in plastic bag.

After some investigation, the airport police stopped for questioning the 62 year old woman and her friend. As it turned out, travelling from Brazil to Italy woman was fulfilling the last wish of her brother, who died 11 years ago in Sao Paulo, Brazil - to be buried in Italy.

After producing appropriate documentation from Brazilian authorities, the travelers were sent on their way to Naples.

Police spokesman Christian Maier said: "Airport security spotted the skull and bones when the suitcase was put through the x-ray machine.

"We questioned the women and they produced a valid death certificate showing he had died 11 years ago of natural causes.

"As they were not violating any German laws they were allowed to continue their journey to Italy."

Creepy or what?!

Local customs – Italy

Private to stay private as Italy's Court of Appeal outlawed men from scratching their crotches in public. Superstitious Italian men often hold or touch their privates for good luck when they see a hearse or to ward off bad luck - the equivalent of touching wood in Britain.