******* Italy, Chile? +20 points!

Italy has a predominantly subtropical Mediterranean-type climate, while Chile has a tropical desert climate in the north; a subtropical Mediterranean-type climate in the center; and a temperate broad-leaved forest and cold steppe climate in the south.

Italy's climate Most of Italy has a subtropical Mediterranean-type climate. Italy is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and the northern Alps block the winter cold front on the peninsula, so the climate is mild and sunny. According to the different topography and geographic location of Italy, the country is divided into the following three climatic zones: the southern peninsula and islands, the plains of the Matan and the Alps. The climate of each of these three zones has different characteristics. The Southern Peninsula and Islands region has a typical Mediterranean climate, with a predominance of Atlantic air masses, tropical air masses in summer and temperate air masses in winter. The average temperature in southern Italy ranges from 2 to 10°C in January and 23 to 26°C in July. Bataan Plain belongs to the transitional climate between subtropical and temperate, characterized by continental climate, low air pressure and humid climate. In the Milan and Bologna belts, fog often hangs over the area in winter, and sometimes it snows. Bataan plain area is hotter in summer and colder in winter, with an average temperature of 2~4℃ in January and 20~24℃ in July. Alpine region is the lowest temperature in the country, more snow in winter months the average temperature of -12 ℃ ~ 1 ℃, 4 ~ 20 ℃ in July. The climate of the Alps is characterized by a distinct vertical distribution, with the increase in terrain, the temperature gradually decline. In the foothills of the Alps in the lake zone, due to the high mountains block the cold flow from northern Europe, coupled with the regulating effect of the lake, so the climate is mild. In the northwestern region of Liguria, due to the influence of mountains and sea water, the climate is very pleasant. Genoa in January the average temperature of 7 ℃, the region can grow a variety of southern crops, such as olives, grapes, oranges and peaches. There are many exotic flowers in the region, and San Remo is a nationally renowned flower center, where locals grow a variety of flowers that are exported in large quantities around the world every year.

Rainfall Rainfall is unevenly distributed throughout the country due to differences in climate. In most parts of the southern peninsula, the annual rainfall is between 500 and 1,500 millimeters, with more rain in winter. However, in the southern Sicily and Sardinia, the annual rainfall is very low, averaging below 500 mm, which is very unfavorable for agricultural production. In the Bataan plain area, the annual rainfall is about 600 to 1,000 millimeters, and the rainy season is concentrated in the summer. The rainfall in the Alpine region is the largest in the country, mainly concentrated in the summer, with an annual rainfall of more than 1,000 millimeters, and in some places even more than 3,000 millimeters.

Chile is located in the southwest of South America, the western foothills of the Andes. Neighboring Argentina in the east, Peru and Bolivia in the north, bordering the Pacific Ocean in the west, and Antarctica across the sea in the south. The total length of the coastline is about 10,000 kilometers. It is the longest and narrowest country in the world, with a length of 4,352 kilometers from north to south and a width of 96.8~362.3 kilometers from east to west. The country is volcanic and has frequent earthquakes. The climate varies greatly from region to region: in the north, it is a tropical desert climate with no rain all year round; in the center, it is a subtropical Mediterranean climate with rainy winters and dry summers; and in the south, it is a rainy temperate broad-leaved forest and frigid steppe climate. The average annual minimum and maximum temperatures are 8.6°C and 21.8°C respectively.

Traveling in Chile I experienced a sense of immersing myself in a world of colorful landscapes and blending with nature.

A variety of gorgeous, fascinating scenery is gathered in this long, narrow country full of contrasts, which brings visitors a safe tourist environment, stunning natural beauty and excellent service.

Santiago, the capital of Chile, is the gateway to the country. Santiago, a cosmopolitan city with a population of 3 million, is characterized by modern and attractive buildings in the various districts of the city, which are the result of the sustained and rapid economic development of Chile in recent decades. Here, modern buildings of all types live in harmony with 19th-century and colonial architecture.

Santiago is a diverse city, but more importantly, it's a safe place to travel: a convenient metro network, gourmet restaurants, modern shopping malls, excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art engineering ensure that this is the case. Santiago is also the city of choice for conferences and meetings, where it is possible to enjoy not only the landscapes of the south and north of Chile, but also to experience the suburban seaside landscape or the mountains a few kilometers away.

Because of its location at the foot of the Andes, Santiago is less than an hour's journey away from the endless fun of snow sports. Another special feature is that while the northern hemisphere is in summer, it is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts. The sports season is year-round, and the mountains here offer long hikes, rock climbing, skydiving, horseback riding and more. In addition, the nearby Cajon? del? Maipo Canyon, rafting and kayaking can be practiced amid the ever-changing mountain scenery.

Besides these stunning views, there is also the opportunity to sample a variety of crops, especially wines, grown in the fertile lands of the horizontal canyons. While sampling the wines, visitors can follow a designed itinerary or go at their leisure to visit all the vineyards, wineries, owner's homes and local museums. This is rural Chile, and a single rider embodies this world of folklore: people in traditional dress, herding livestock, hacienda life or dancing the joyous cueca? the traditional dance of the Chilean people.

For those who love the beach, it's about an hour and a half down the highway to the cozy, relaxing hot springs of the Pacific Coast. Vi?a del Mar, known as the "Vineyard of the Sea," is a more traditional city with a rich nightlife and lively club scene. Vi?a del Mar is located right next to the port of Valparaiso. Surrounded by mountains, most of the buildings here were built against the hills in the 19th century and are still in use.

Of course there are quieter seaside spa baths, such as Black Island, which are gentler, but that doesn't take away from their charm. In the baths of Cachagua and Zapaillar, one can't help but see fishermen fishing leisurely, and it's they who have given the Chilean people their faith in the traditions of the sea.

On the central coast, it is not difficult to enjoy mouth-watering cuisine: specialties made from local fish and seafood.

Nobody forgets Easter Island. This world-famous tourist destination can be reached by a five-hour flight from Santiago. This mysterious and legendary island is famous for its huge, stone sculptures, known locally as moai. This culture is still alive today and embodies the symbolism of Polynesian traditions while blending with other cultures of the South Pacific. Easter Island is therefore an absolute must for lovers of geology, archaeology and sports. Likewise, it is an ideal place for hiking, horseback riding, fishing and relaxation. In addition, visitors can enjoy a unique experience here by diving with a colorful variety of fish and corals. Easter Island is also famous for its folk art and fine crafts.

There are also the Juan Fernández Islands, which are not as world-famous as Easter Island, but are a very special place. Getting to this archipelago takes about two hours or so by plane. It consists of three parts: Robinson? Gruso, St. Grala and Alejandro Sergio. The first island takes its name from the story of Alejandro Serpico, who was shipwrecked. Selkiko's shipwreck story, which was collected by Daniel? Defoe collected in his novel Robinson Crusoe. The island is also considered a virgin part of the Earth's biosphere.

Five hours by car or one hour by plane from Santiago is the city of Serena, which is home to the population of the Little North. This city is home to countless beaches that spell out a wonderful picture in perfect harmony with the mysterious Elqui Grand Canyon. In the Elqui Canyon, a grape juice called Pisco is produced, which is a Chilean specialty due to its excellent quality and taste.

From Santiago, it's about a two-hour plane ride north to the Atacama region. Here you'll find the city of Antofagasta, the most densely populated city in the north and Chile's leading mineral port, a major copper producer. Further inland is the Atacama Desert. Arguably the most fascinating landscape in Chile, shaped by nature's handiwork: wide, magnificent salt flats, eternal snow volcanoes and lakes rich in species. In this vast desert, however, one will find small, scenic villages where the people, surrounded by oases and nourished by running water, still preserve their indigenous culture and millennia-old customs. To travel here you must pass through the city of Calama, which is located 215 kilometers from the city of Atacama, a two-hour plane ride from Santiago.

The capital of the Atacama region is San Pedro de Atacama, an extremely charming city of adobe houses, not to be underestimated, which are first-class and quite well equipped. It can be reached in an hour's drive from the city of Calama. St. Petersburg. Pedro? De? Atacama City is home to the world's highest geothermal field, the Taddeo Geyser. Taddeo Geyser, whose vents can reach several meters high. In addition to this, visitors can enjoy the beautiful sunsets in the Valley of the Moon and the fascinating natural sculptures formed by salt penetration and erosion. After the sun sets, the volcanic peaks depict bizarre patterns around them, creating a moonscape. Visit the fortified castles, built in the 12th century, the Father Lepech Archaeological Museum or experience the picturesque oases for yourself.

Continuing north along the coast, you reach Iquique, located 492 kilometers from the city of Antofagasta and two and a half hours by plane from Santiago. Thanks to its vast coast and its unique duty-free zone, this city is experiencing considerable economic growth. Another of the wonders of the city is the still visible history of its old town. The city's economy peaked with the production of saltpeter, which was suddenly replaced by chemical technology, and the process faded away, leaving the towns with a few phantoms that testify to their past glory.

Afterward, other people left their traces. The north of Chile is known for its large and rich collection of "geoglyphs", evidence of a civilization that existed before the discovery of the New World. The Atacama Desert, apart from its natural barrenness, has been a source of life throughout its history with its oases, which were the only places where crops could be grown and which gave birth to the picturesque villages of Bica and Matea. Bika and Matia. In addition to this, a religious procession in the festival of Dirana is held in honor of an Inca princess who found a way to escape the clutches of the colonizers and hide in the desert forest of Tamaruco.

The far north of Chile is Arica, which is 307 kilometers from Iquique or a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Santiago. Thanks to the city's unique location on the border, it is possible to visit both Peru and Bolivia at the same time. A fascinating archaeological tour can be enjoyed in the Asapa Canyon, located on the outskirts of Arica. Near the coast of this region, one of the most amazing cultural monuments has been unearthed: the mummies of Chinchorro, the oldest mummies in the world. These mummies and other monuments dating back 10,000 years are housed in the St? Miguel? The Archaeological Museum of Assapa. Asapa Archaeological Museum, which is located 14 kilometers from Arica. To visit the highlands, Arica is also a good choice. There are flat plateaus with an average altitude of 4,000 meters, a great variety of fauna, lakes, hot springs, snow volcanoes and charming small villages and towns with a long tradition of Aymara culture. Some villages still have churches from the 16th century, which must be part of the religious wealth left behind by Spanish colonization.

Continuing the drive from Arica for another three hours, you will arrive at Chunkala, which is located in La Uca National Park, the highest lake in the world and has become an icon of the Chilean highlands. It is the most ideal area for bird watching, with wild ducks and flamenco birds as well as lesser alpacas and prothonotary camels.

Once again using Santiago as a starting point heading south, from the city of Temuco we enter the lakes and volcanic areas. An hour or so by plane from Santiago, a magnificent landscape is immediately in front of us ? The thousand year old virgin forest of the South American fir and the countless national parks that surround it. This is the town of Mapuche, where the people fought against the Spaniards for 300 years during the conquest of the New World, and where to this day in some of the villages they still preserve their own language, their mysteries and their own customs.

Located 112 kilometers from the city of Temuco are the baths of the lakes of Pucón and Vallarica. On the banks of the lakes with the same names gather tourists attracted by its charming beaches, comfortable hotels, amusement clubs, lively nightlife and the richest short weekly excursions. Visit the National Park, go rafting in the Tranquila River or skiing in the winter center of the Ballarica Volcano. It is a paradise for lovers of sports, adventure, nature and fishing. There are twelve rivers and lakes around these cities***.

At the southern end of the area of lakes and volcanoes, presented here are some other wonders of mankind, where the architecture and gastronomy are a strong testimony to the migration of the Germans. Among the coastal cities, the beautiful city of Baltivia stands out. It is located 145 kilometers from Pucon or two hours by plane from Santiago. The city of Balboa runs through the Caye Caie and its surroundings, and those who come here can even enjoy the stunning views described by the ancient Spaniards. In addition to scenic national parks and interesting rivers such as Puyehue, 210 kilometers away from Balboa City, Puerto Montt is a two-hour flight from Santiago, which is again an ideal place to travel and sample local specialties in picturesque Anselmo.

On both sides of Lake Aguiúe are the scenic cities of Frutillar, Puerto Varas, Saltos? de? Pedroiué and all the sages beyond the lake, with its jewel-like clear and transparent waters and dense growth of vegetation. A must-see are also the national parks of Puye Ue, Vicente Perez Rosales and Alesse Andino, as they protect large areas of grasslands, humid tropical forests, volcanoes, waterfalls and crystal clear rivers, all landscapes that will make for an unforgettable trip.

From Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt, it is possible to make a trip that combines sailing on the sea and walking on land, which will lead you to the Argentine city of Bariloche. Ninety kilometers from the city of Puerto Montt is the island of Chiloé. It is an island overflowing with myths and legends resulting from the fusion of indigenous and Catholic beliefs. It has preserved 150 churches, built by the Jesuit missionaries in the 18th and 19th centuries, 16 of which are included in the World Heritage of Humanity. In addition to its architectural features, in ancient times the people here maintained the maritime custom of building their houses on wooden poles, so that the homes on the water here bear witness to this custom. The Chiloé diet is a blend of seafood and local crops. The most representative dish of the island is the gulalto, which is a delicious stew made with many ingredients and given a slow fire, usually this dish is made in a mound on the ground.

A few of the more prominent villages and towns on this island are Ankut, Castro and Dalcaoué. In the village of Dalcahue there will be a kind of fair where you can admire the fine handicrafts of the Chiloé people? There are those woven in linen, handmade and those carved in wood.

Stretching south from Puerto Montt is the Polar Highway, a 1,000-kilometer stretch of lakes, rivers, glaciers, canyons, hot springs and national parks that leads into Chilean Patagonia. It is the southernmost point of the American continent, and the wide, lush region on either side of the mountain range is known as Patagonia. This region is largely uninhabited, with only roughly 2% of Chileans living here. It is divided into Northern Patagonia and Southern Patagonia. To get to the northern part of Patagonia you can take a flight from Santiago via Balmaceta, a trip that takes about three hours.

Balmaceta is located 55 kilometers from the city of Coiaiai Cay, it is the control center for the development of these beautiful landscapes and to visit the San Rafael Lakes National Park where there are drifting drumskins and the San Paredín Glacier. To visit the national park you can take a ship ride while enjoying the breathtaking view amidst the deafening sound of falling ice. The Patagonia region can be described as a true paradise: dense primary forests, excellent fishing in lakes and rivers. It is also a favorite destination for sports and adventure lovers, as well as for rafting or kayaking in the world-famous Fotareuve and Baker rivers.

A good starting point for exploring southern Patagonia is Puenta? Arenas City, which is about a four-and-a-half-hour flight from Santiago. From Puenta Arenas to Magellanes, it's about a four-and-a-half-hour flight from Santiago. Ciudad de Arenas to the Strait of Magellan to see the penguins. Fuertes Bournais was the first Chilean enclave established in the polar region in 1843. There are also haciendas where wool is trimmed, which is unique to the region. And of course while you're here you can take a do-it-yourself ship to visit the glaciers, the Beagle Canal, Tierra del Fuego or check out Williamsport, the southernmost point of human habitation.

Nevertheless, the best thing to visit in this region is the Paíneta National Park, a Biosphere World Reserve where you can see the huge towers and the rock and granite bull's horns that have made this national park world-famous. Beautiful lakes, wetlands and glaciers accompany these wonderful scenic journeys, and it is home to some of the richest fauna in Chile. One of the most famous rafting routes in the world is located in the Paíneta National Park, and of course it is possible to enjoy this unique and beautiful polar landscape by car or on horseback. Before arriving at the Paíneta National Park, you will first have to come to Puerto Natales, which is three hours away from Puenta de Arenas. The city of Arenas is three hours away, and from here it is another three hours by car to reach the Paíneta National Park. From Puerto Natales it is also possible to take some more short trips, such as to the Miroton Caves. It is in this amazing cavern that people have discovered the remains of prehistoric animals. In addition to this, it is also possible to go on a voyage to the Serrana and Balmaceta glaciers, among the many attractions of Patagonia. From Puenta? Aleinas City it is also possible to visit the Antarctic. To reach this white continent you can take an airplane or a luxury ship, which will take you to several islands and coastal scientific bases, in direct contact with a primitive life that is completely unknown to mankind!

Italian customs

Customs

Italians are hospitable and casual, but have a poor sense of time and are often late for appointments.

When eating in Italy, it is customary for Italians to sit separately for men and women. The order of meals is generally speaking, is the first cold dishes, followed by the first course, pasta, soup, rice or other staples; the second course of fish, meat, etc., then sweets or fruit, ice cream, etc., and finally coffee.

When dining, pay attention to etiquette and don't ask for too much to eat at one time. During the meal, don't make the knife and fork clanking. When eating noodles, use the fork to roll up the noodles to your mouth, don't suck with your mouth, especially when using soup, don't make a loud noise. After each dish is finished, put the knife and fork side by side on the plate, indicating that the dish has been used up, even if there are leftovers, the waiter will remove the plate.

The Italians like to drink and are very particular about it. Generally drink an aperitif before dinner, the table depending on the dishes set wine, eat fish drink white wine, eat meat with red wine, the table can also drink beer, water and so on. After the meal drink a small amount of spirits, can add ice. Italians rarely drink heavily, and there is no habit of persuading people to drink freely.

When invited to a friend's home, especially on New Year's Day, you should bring some gifts or souvenirs to the host. Gifts should be packaged with care. After receiving the gift, the host will open it in front of the guest and say some polite or thank you words. In addition, when you are a guest in an Italian home, do not arrive early, a little later is better.

Names

The Italian name consists of a surname and a given name. When filling out official documents, in addition to the person's name, to add the father's name, and sometimes the mother's name, the order is the person's last name, the first name father's name, and finally the mother's name.

Clothing

Italy's clothing, food and housing is similar to neighboring France. Everyday clothing is mainly Western, but jackets, T-shirts and jeans have now become the national norm. Usually, people dress casually, but they pay attention to their attire when they go to work. Some hotels require you to wear a tie with your suit, and even in the summer, you are not allowed to wear a shirt, but you are not bound to wear national costume.

Diet

Italian food is characterized by mellow, fragrant, known as the original flavor, cooking skills comparable to France, and pasta in France on top of more than 400 varieties. Italians have a simple breakfast, and dinner is the main meal, which is usually served late.

Accommodation

Housing conditions for Italians are similar to those in France, except that rents are much lower. In general, northern Italians have better housing conditions than those in the south. Not many Italians own second homes.

Weddings

Italy is a strongly Catholic country, and it is Catholic tradition that weddings should take place in churches, but more and more people are now registering their marriages in town halls.

Funeral rites

Since the prevalence of Catholicism, Italians have been buried in the ground and there are cemeteries everywhere. Generally Italians die with a simple religious ceremony in a church, and then the coffin is placed in a prepared grave.

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Clothing etiquette

Chile has a well-developed clothing industry, with a wide range of styles of popular clothing available on the market, so some people believe that Chilean clothing leads South American trends. Some of the local ethnic minorities still wear traditional clothing with distinctive national characteristics. For example, Araucan men wear woolen cloaks.

Manners and etiquette

The Chilean people are very polite and courteous. When you go to a local office, a highly trained secretary will always be polite and courteous to visitors. They generally do not pick their teeth with toothpicks in front of the crowd, and if they must use toothpicks, they can go to the restroom

Meet etiquette

The Chilean boy's nickname is Chinedo, which means a little Chinese, and Chinedo is a term of endearment for the girl, which means a little Chinese girl child. Chileans in social occasions and guests meet, generally to shake hands as a gift. Friends and family meet, often give a hug. Women meet each other is to kiss each other's face.

Dining etiquette

Chileans eat mainly pasta and sometimes rice. They like to eat seafood, beef and lamb, etc. The vegetables they often eat are potatoes and cucumbers. Chileans eat four meals a day, one in the morning, one at noon, one at four o'clock in the afternoon, and another at nine o'clock in the evening. The 4 p.m. meal is relatively simple, eat some snacks

Wedding and funeral ceremonies

Chileans who believe in the Catholic Church, the wedding and funeral ceremonies are handled in accordance with Catholic etiquette. If the wedding is performed in a church by a priest, the priest will ask the man and woman if they agree to be married. The local Araucanian funeral ritual is to bury the dead in a grave, and put some burial objects around them, usually weapons for men and daily utensils for women.