Almost no one can make up silly rules quite like Italians. And absolutely no one can be as arbitrary in deciding when and how to enforce them. Getting in to the Uffizi requires waiting in at least three separate lines–unless you have a reservation, in which case you have to wait in four. The last checkpoint is randomly at the top of the stairs, after you’ve already lost your ticket in your purse or pocket. Many of the masterpieces seem to have been recently moved without explanation or signage. And the policy on taking photos changes from room to room depending on the mood of each guard.