[clivehawkins]

I was asked the same question in my University class last week, and I too couldn't think of the answer. We settled on regional capital in the end, having dismissed main city, administrative centre and head city.

It's one of those that comes up occasionally and slaps you in the face. Makes you realise you've been away too long!

By the way Susan, how do you translate 'in giro'? I always get asked and as yet have never come up with a really good answer.

Where did you go?
In giro. (Just out \ here and there \ around \ nowhere in particular )

(I'm guessing they use this expression in Milan too)