Honest thoughts on Italy after my first visit

First time in Italy and I tried to approach it with open eyes rather than preconceptions. Naples was the base and a good one — central, manageable, and with strong food options including the best osso buco I've ever had. Vatican Museums was the big set piece and fully justified the trip.

Two things worth knowing: tourist trap restaurants near monuments, which is more of a factor than some guides acknowledge. But also: passionate locals, which I'd never read about and turned out to be a genuine pleasure. Solid first impression — I'd return.