CATCHING FIRE: $750 flip flops, CMAT and is this illegal?

Do keep up!

Happy Fourth to all who celebrate. Happy anniversary to the “Back up, Terry” video (aka one of the funniest ever) for those that don’t.

I’m back in London after the most delightful time in Naples, Positano, Capri, Rome and Florence. I’d love to gift you a chunk of the giant block of creamy Parmesan that I stuffed in my case but it’s logistically easier if I share with you all the fantastico places my Italian relatives insisted I eat at. They nailed it and I’m not gatekeeping their reccs - read them here.

The heatwave meant that Italy felt on fire during my trip, and it was impossible not to notice just how hot the country is in terms of tourism too. Crowds everywhere, American accents dominate on the streets and queues for exhibits, museums and TikTok-famous affogato, tiramisu and spritz spots.

Italy has seen a surge in post-pandemic visits and arrivals are projected to be five per cent higher than last summer. The country is not the only thing blowing up so let’s get into it...

So hot …