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
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4 responses to “What to keep in mind about Italian Culture”
Report an inappropriate commentApril 25th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I always wanted to visit Italy and it’s on my list of stops! I love the culture!
April 25th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
If you want any other tips please don’t hesitate to contact me on my website or blog. a presto!
March 6th, 2009 at 2:13 am
“Always when invited to a party bring a bottle of wine as a sign of thanks.”
This should really be picked up in North America more often. I was raised in Canada by Italian parents and taught this is the right way to do things yet on the other hand have never had a friend bring anything to my place for dinner. A dessert, flowers for the table or a bottle of wine are a much appreciated way of saying ” thanx for feeding me!”
March 6th, 2009 at 3:15 am
Elle,
I agree. I never brought a bottle of wine to a friends house until I arrived in Florence. I find it is a sign of thanks, like you said. Thanks for commenting!
a presto,
Katie
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