What to keep in mind about Italian Culture

Ready for your next vacation in Italy?

If you’ve already booked your flight and your hotel, and just can’t wait to explore the country and soak up the Italian culture, check out this short list of things not to forget when on holiday in Rome, Venice, Tuscany or Sicily.

• Shops close at 1 and don’t open until 3 or 4pm.

• Buses can randomly show up two at a time or not at all.

• Italian trains can stop in the middle of nowhere amongst a landscape that is breathtaking.

• Being told “Ciao Bella” more than 10 times a day is slow day.

• Smoking is pastime of most but not all Italians.

• Dogs are welcome in any public place.

• Riding a bicycle is better than walking, well once you get the hang of it.

• An espresso in the afternoon is a great pick-me-up.

• Trying to speak Italian to an Italian is taken as a compliment.

• If you meet a friend on the street on your way to the market, you might end up hanging out with that person for the rest of the day.

• Always when invited to a party bring a bottle of wine as a sign of thanks.

• Always offer up your seat on the bus if someone else really needs it.

• And most of all never rush through a meal. Savor each bite and sip your wine with a smile.

Picture of three-colored wall in Milan, Italy originally posted by *Berto

Topic:  Tips and Ideas | 2 Comments
Tags:  culture, Italy

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Katie has a true obsession with Italy and she has lived in Florence on and off for the past 5 years. She has been a tourist, vacationer, student, and an au pair. All of these experiences have made her into the person she is today. This is a place she documents her life with her own thoughts and audacious lifestyle: http://www.katerinafiore.com