It pleases me to report that according to the results of my unofficial but extensive canvassing, Australians are southern Europeans’ favourite anglophone tourists. True, Americans are the largest and spendiest contingent. But – and being one, I’m allowed to say this – not the most palatable. The English? Alas, an entente too often freighted with Brexit animus, or conflicting football/rugby loyalties, to really be comfortable. Plus, they complain.

But the Aussies: Friendly. Easygoing. Outdoorsy. Love a good bottle of wine and honest, fresh food. Black belts in appreciation-showing. I’ve heard variations on all these sentiments expressed admiringly many times, in Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Athens.