Here I go!

I've been told many times over the years that I should write travel guide books, but this is as close as I plan to come to that!

Since getting my first passport at age 43, I have gotten to go places in this world that I never dreamed of seeing, and I'm an inveterate note taker. My travels since 1986 have been as a professional travel agent...which only increased that note taking. I hope to share some of the things I've found interesting for one reason or another -- maybe for cultural or historic reasons, maybe just beautiful, maybe ultra good, maybe just hilarious. And sometimes just because I liked it, related to travel or not.

My speciality in the travel business is Italy, though I handle travel pretty much worldwide..and if I don't keep up with a particular area, one of the great agents in my office does. See www.sallywatkins.com for more about the professional side of my life.

Your comments and shared tips are very welcome! I truly believe "we get by with a little help from our friends."

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Italy really did ban plastic bags as of January 1st

Shopkeepers in Italy have been banned from giving out plastic shopping bags to reduce "white pollution." Italians use about 20 billion of those plastic bags a year and they are non-biodegradable. The new law took effect January 1. Stores can only give out plastic bags till they run out.There have been similar restrictions on the bags in about 200 Italian communities but now the ban is nationwide. If you are travelling to Italy this year, pack a cloth shopping bag to carry around. (Association of Retail Travel Agents newsletter)

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