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13 Italian Cultural Habits…and 7 Habits Foreign Tourists Don’t Understand

 Italian Cultural Habits. Some things you just need to know.

Cultural Habits, thats right. Italians are different in that way. You are heading to Italy and are excited about the food and the wine you will enjoy.  You can’t wait to step back into time. Walk the streets that the ancient Romans walked. See the art from great artists and relive the history. You want to experience Italy through the eyes of Italians.

If that is the case, there are some things that you should know.  Just so you don’t stand out, or at least so that you can understand why Italians do the things they do.

After all when in Rome…

-I know that it’s odd, but in Italy waiters serve bread to the table without oil and balsamic and for sure they will never ever bring you butter.

Bread is essential to any dinner or lunch table. Its primary purpose is to have it with the meat dishes, secondi, or to snack on before the pasta arrives. And for a traditional scarpetta; Cleaning off the plate of the tomato sauce with a chunk of bread after finishing your pasta. Avoid eating your pasta with bread, though. That would scream horror and definitely labels you as “another tourist.”

-Italians always end their meals with a caffè espresso.  In some cases, individuals may choose an espresso corretto which means, corrected with a splash of grappa or brandy. At times, but very rarely, someone may ask for a macchiato or a drop of cold milk. Never would they have a cappuccino after a meal. You will definitely get a sarcastic comment from the waiter or at the very least an insulted look.

Cappuccino is a meal in itself for Italians as it is the choice of beverage for breakfast, by itself or with a cornetto or brioche. Sometimes they have it in the afternoon . But after a three course meal it’s a total no, no… nooooo!

Un caffe’ per favore

-Coffee in Italy is a culture and it’s enjoyed several times daily. Unlike in North America where we tend to sip a 20oz for several hours, Italians prefer to have it al banco (at the bar counter), down it and move on with their day, or at least until the next one. Because they are a sociable society they often invite someone to have a caffè with them and to share a few words before they all go their separate ways. It’s an inexpensive commodity and easily offered to friends and acquaintances. Its not just a cultural habit. It’s a daily one. Of course if coffee is not your choice there is always room for a gelato. One a day keeps the doctor away!

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– Avoid dining with milk. Even children do not have milk with meals. The number one choice of beverage at during a meal is… water! Still or sparkling, but definitely water. You will be charged for it, too. In a pizzeria a bibita gassata (soft drink) is sometimes enjoyed with a pizza, especially for the little guys.  At least if you do ask for a soft drink, you won’t get any weird stares.

Wine with your pizza? Really?

Wine on the other hand is not recommended with a pizza. No funny faces from the waiter if you do. Italians mostly enjoy beer with it. Order a glass of milk and you’ll never hear the end of it. Dining with a cocktail is almost as bad as ordering milk or juice. Have your Martini or Campari as an aperitivo but move on to wine as soon as you are seated.

-You will notice that at 6 or 7 in the evening, many bars are crowded with aperitivi goers. It’s sort of like happy hour if you will, but here you can have food that is all free as long as you order a drink. Here is where you would have an aperitivo, pile onto your plate a few samples of different specialties and enjoy the food and the conversation.

Maybe tomorrow

-Italians have certain habits down to an art. It’s not a coincidence that every other country in the world looks at Italians with envy when it comes to living life. They definitely have defined and perfected a few phrases. “La dolce vita” (the sweet life) and “Il dolce far niente,” (the sweetness of doing nothing at all). Two quotes that define the Italian love for life and the recognition that constant running around and being too busy is not always necessary, nor is healthy.

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Many foreigners may see that as being “lazy” but, considering the country and its peoples’ achievements over the centuries, that argument hardly stands. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt for others to adopt some of these habits, particularly when traveling in Italy. But hey, why not take it home and add it to your everyday life too.

-Italians don’t like fast food restaurants as they don’t give enough time to engage in conversation and enjoy the food prepared, which also means that they prefer eating in company. It’s hard to talk about the food if you are the only one at the table or if everyone is in a rush.

Ciao come stai? Let’s go for a caffe’

– Italians put so much emphasis on  general conversation. There is nothing more rude in Italy than to cross someone on the street and say “Hi how are you!?” And then just keep on walking (as we might do in North America). If you ask, expect an answer and a long conversation. People congregate on the sidewalks, in the piazza, under the portici or at markets. They always find a subject to discuss. They may just ask about family and life in general. So slow down and do enjoy the small things in life.

Italians al bar italiabound.com travel Palermo Italy

-Family is an important aspect of their lives. In some cases, no wage increase is enough to move away from close family. As I recall, a very good friend of mine refused a substantial wage increase because the heartache of his daughter being raised too far away from the grandparents just wasn’t worth the money or the 800 kilometre move. Life is too short, simply put.

 -Kids are brought up around wine and spirits and because of that they grow up with little interest in drinking. Since they don’t drink milk, juices or soft drinks at meals, often their parents may add a drop or two of wine in the water, but mostly they drink plain water. Children are always surrounded by wine, and often snob it as they get older.

-Children are in constant contact with adults. What I mean is that children are not overlooked when adults are invited to dinners or parties. Unless otherwise stated, expect them to bring their bambini to a friend’s dinner. If they show up without their kids, the host would be surprised and question why they aren’t present.

 

3 Unique Experiences of Art and Culture in Italy

Ciao Bella. Where are you going?

-Because Italians live in the cities and in apartmentrs, they love to spend their time outside. The weather is a big help, even in the winter. Spending time outdoors regenerates their well-being. Fresh air is a luxury when you live in the city and the outdoor is precious. It’s not difficult to find kids, elders and teens congregate outside and enjoy one another’s company in parks, on boulevards or in a piazza. Sunday is a family day and short trips visiting neighbouring towns for long lunches are quintessential for their dolce far niente lifestyle.  As well evening passeggiate, strolls to the town centres.

-Dressing up is very important for Italians. I read an article years ago that Italians are the number one buyers of signature clothing and like to show them off. Signature handbags are the number one accessory amongst women and wallets for men, mostly Italian designers, but not necessarily. If they are going to buy something, it’s going to be a renowned griffe.

…And just to be fair.

Here are some things that foreigners dislike, don’t appreciate or don’t understand about Italians. And why not? After all, not everything that glitters is gold, and even a wonderful place like Italy has its faults.  

-Noise. Italians are… noisy. They are loud, they yell. And not because they are mad or upset, but simply because they believe that yelling gets the point across better. They love the horn on their car. If it’s there, use it!. They love to use hand gestures when talking. It’s nothing personal, but to them it’s not rude to talk loud and with lots of hand and finger gestures.

Lets go for lunch

– Italians hate fast food, but tourists also dislike the fact that Italians take forever to finish their meals. Since they would rather take their time to eat, Italian life in general stops around lunch. Stores close for 3 or 4 hours during the middle of the day. Banks stay closed until 4pm and even gas stations shut down for lunch. Of course restaurants are open, but only until 2:30pm. If you choose not to eat during that time, you’ll have a difficult time finding a restaurant that is open.

It’s closed? Why is it a holiday?

Tourists, especially North Americans, want everything at their finger tips. In Italy, it doesn’t work that way. Restaurants close at 2:30pm and don’t open again until 7 or 8 pm. Stores, boutiques, banks, government offices, gas stations and even factories all close down for lunch and some don’t even reopen in the afternoon.

Naturally, if you are in an area with lots of tourists, you will have everything at your fingertips.  Everyone caters to tourists and almost everything is always open, but is that really the Italy vibe that you are looking for?

Two sunny side up please. Or not!

-Foreigners dislike Italian choices for breakfast. Lunch is the biggest meal, there is no need for a massive breakfast. Unless you are staying in a franchise hotel where continental breakfasts are served, many places will offer a cappuccino with a few different white flour breads with jams, cookies or brioche and that’s it. Bars or caffè will serve pastries and maybe panini in the morning, but if you are looking for bacon and eggs, well… good luck.

-Italians are romantic people so don’t be alarmed or offended if you see couples kissing and hugging in public on their Vespa or on a park bench. When young couples are in love, well, the whole world must know about it. At the same time, going for a passeggiata  with arms linked, is normal (even for guys).

-Smoking is one of those habits that Europeans do more than North Americans. Socially it is still not seen as a bad habit nor is it rude to light up in an outdoor restaurant. As someone who also does not smoke, I find it “not to my taste” but until laws change, there too, we have to endure this cultural habit.

Il Bambino is Bravo, No?

-“Kids rule and have little respect.” That’s what a few people have said to me about Italian’s kids. Yes, to a certain extent I have to agree. Kids are raised by their parents and grandparents to be the centre of the world… well maybe the universe.

Family adore, love and spoil  their children to the point that they can do no wrong and the grown ups seem to always find an excuse to justify their behaviour.  Italian kids are the only ones that I can think of that have no problem mingling with adults and chat up a storm without any shyness nor problems.

Nonetheless, they are respectful and talk to elderly people with respect and politeness, but maybe with a loud voice.

You First?… No Me first…Ciao

-Line ups. They don’t like them. If they can sneak by you, they will. Whether it’s at the bank or at a red light.  If they are on some type of a two wheeler, then line ups don’t exist, nor traffic for that matter. Even 90 year old grandmothers, if they can sneak by, will do so.

So, now that you know a little bit more about Italians, you can head there and really enjoy the country and its people. Italy is a very friendly, hospitable and generous country with a few quirks. But then again, that’s why you are there; to enjoy and experience every aspect of Italians and Italy. And if those quarks weren’t there, well then you’d be in a different country.

‘Till then… Buon viaggio

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.

 

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Art and Culture

3 Unique  Experiences of  Art and Culture in Italy

If you are in Italy and you are looking for unique art and culture, it would be impossible to miss it. Italy is a open air museum and everywhere you go the ghosts of the past are all around you enhancing your experience. One not to miss.

Lets start:

1) Architecture. Art and Culture

The essence of art and culture. It’s everywhere, but sometimes overlooked or taken for granted, even the one dating back from before Christ.

From Roman ruins to Longobards Castles to Etruschian catacombs. The visual experience is endless when you travel throughout Italy, from one part of the country to another, based on who was the ruler or the invader at that time.

Italy architecture constantly changed with unique and refreshing art and culture.

Trieste, for instance, a city reminiscing of Vienna since it was under Austrian-Hungarian control until almost the end of the  18th century, contrasts from Torino with its French influence.

Torino Mole italiabound.com
La Mole Antonelliana di Torino

Torino was seized by Napoleon until its fall, or Napoli, which was contested between  the French and Spaniards dynasties basically up until the Risorgimento or unification of Italy in 1861.

What is amazing about Italy is the uniqueness of its architecture. It is worthwhile to pay close attention to all of its beauty as you travel across the landscapes.

To me a must see is the Reggia of Caserta. Royal Palace from the 18th century and now a UNESCO Heritage Site. Once the home of  Carlo III, Duke of Bourbons and King of the Kingdom of Naples. It’s the largest Royal residence in the world. Need I say more? A must see. reggiadicaserta.beniculturali.it

2) Museums, Art Show and Galleries.

It is well obvious that Italy itself is an open air museum yet you will find something under a museum roof that will excite and inspire you to search for more unique beauties in this amazing country. Italians thirst for art and culture allows for hundreds and hundreds of museums, art galleries and theatres to instil knowledge and entertainment. The museum choices are endless, whether it’s affreschi, paintings, sculptures, modern or antique furniture, or… Yes! Even racing cars. 

Museums are everywhere. And you need not be in a big center to take in any of that.

Uffizi Florence italiabound.com
Uffizi Museums in Florence

A must is the Uffizi in Florence   . And one of my favourites, ( although it has nothing to do with Italy) is the Museo Egizio di Torino. It’s the largest Egyptian museum outside Egypt. I need to go back there again. I just love it.

3) Archeological sites

In a Country rich of past civilizations it isn’t hard to find archeological sites to explore. Naturally the ones that come to mind are Pompei,  pompei.it , Ercolano ercolano.beniculturali.it and of course Rome itself.

colosseo roma italia bound
Il Colosseo in Rome

In Tuscany or Umbria there are many  archeological sites of the mysterious Etruscan civilization. Particular the Necropolis of Cerveteri and Tarquinia  not to be mistaken for the Necropoli della Banditaccia also near Cerveteri. If you  have the time, you should see both.

Sicily, and  Calabria on the other hand are home of many Greek ruins such as  in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where The Temple of Concordia reigns over the Sicilian island. A must see.

Aquileia, founded in 181 BC, in Friuli is rich in Roman ruins, ancient crypts and most recently a newly found Roman port buried under thousand years of dirt grasses and trees. Further north, but by only 40km,  is Cividale, founded in. 53 BC by Julius Cesar.

Ponte del Diavolo in Cividale del Friuli.

You can discover the history of the Longobardi. It’s path through different civilizations. Amongst many things you must visit the 3rd Century Celtic burial crept –Ipogeo Celtico- www.cividale.com deep in the undergrounds of the town. ( get the key from the restaurant next door or at the travel information center ).

What’s is amazing is that all are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

These among many others, are museum, cities and sites that I personally visited and enjoyed, but thousand more are there waiting  to be discovered by you. That is Why You Should  Go to Italy… It’s An Experience Not Just a Holiday.  And if you decide to head over to this wonderful country, I can help.

“Til then…Buon viaggio.

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.

 

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Why You Should Go to Italy… It’s An Experience Not Just a Holiday

 “We are going to be in Rome, on the Amalfi Coast, in Tuscany, and near Siena. What other interesting places are there to see?”  This is one of the most asked question to me by friends or clients travelling to Italy.

That question carries a lot of weight. Italy is not a place that has a hundred  interesting things to see nor a thousand. Italy may have its name to claim monuments, but the reality is that on your way from one monument to the next there may be 600 more interesting places and towns to see, and often more beautiful or interesting than what you were on your way to see originally.

Duomo in Milan, Italy
Milan’s Duomo

You could be in a small town station waiting for a train to Rome, for instance, and just by looking around you notice unique architectural delights.

Italy’s Cultural Pride

Italy and Italians over the century had and still do have lots of pride in their everyday work. The buildings were never built with only practicality in mind. They were built to reflect the culture, the people, therefore the times. Nothing says more about an architect, than the style of building that he or she builds. Fountains were designed with grandeur ideas and looks in mind. The “big square box” North American style buildings are never considered even in today’s Italy. Fortunately, laws are in place to prevent that. Milano Centrale, as an example, was finished in 1931 by Mussolini. Its grandeur reflects his ego yet creates pride amongst Milanesi, even if most of them never were or no longer are fascists. It’s a mixture of Art Nouveau, Art Deco and fascism. Oh yes! and trains are supposed to stop there as well.

 

Architecture wonder in Cuneo, Italy
The marble floors and ticket wicket in Cuneo
Small Places as Interesting as…

Cuneo train station, to remain on the rail stations theme, is a beautiful architectural wonder that mesmerizes the average train user. It looks more like a museum. The restoration is meant to recreate what the original designers envisioned.

Details in train station in Cuneo, Italy
interesting details of the brass stairs handle by marble stairs

Cuneo is a town of just around 56,000 people nestled in the southwester area of Piemonte and hardly has the volume of tourists that Milan has. Nonetheless, when you come upon this town and its train station, you will be impressed.

To this day, Italians are leaders as they pour their pride in fashion, automotive, furniture design, and culinary delights, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. This pride and artistic creativity is represented in everyday living. It makes for a more inspiring environment, therefore everyone benefits from. The way they dress, what they eat, how they socialize and how they live represent centuries of rich traditions, history and pride.

When asked “what else is there to see?”, the only answer that I can give is this: Keep your eyes, mind and senses always open and everywhere you go will never cease to amaze you. Italy is to tourists what a candy store is to a child.

And if you enjoy food see my post 5 things to Know About Dining in Italy because how and when to eat is as much as an art as the food itself.

“Till then…Buon viaggio

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.

 

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3 Easy Hikes at the Foot of the Italian Alps in Northern Italy

Alagna to Rifugio Pastore

An easy hour-long hike  through the Parco Naturale Alta Valsesia in the shadow of the Monte Rosa in Piemonte. Monte rosa is Italy’s second highest mountain, after Monte Bianco, in the Italian Alps. Here you criss-cross rivers and creeks on wooden bridges until you reach at 1575 metres in altitude the refuge. www.rifugimonterosa.it

Relaxing at the Rifugio Pastore

 

 

The hike stars in Wold, one kilometre passed the town of Alagna. You will continue for three kilometre or so on a paved road till Acqua Bianca. At this point you enter trail number 6 and head to the rifugio. There are two ways to get there, both start in Wold and both take the same amount of time. This one just happened to be my favorite.

The rifugio, is  a rock and shale hut built in 1973 to commemorate an avid mountaineer Francesco Pastore who had past away in an automobile accident. It’s purpose is to protect and give refuge to hikers and trekkers during storms, and rest for those continuing on. It’s also a restaurant and shelter for overnight guests.

Stay for lunch, or a merenda ( snack ). But whatever you decide, you must have their homemade cake (torta del rifugio) and a hot chocolate, Italian style. Well deserved treat for accomplishing the climb.

 

Pella to Santuario di Madonna del Sasso

Hike above the breathtaking Lago d’Orta. One and a half hours of easy strolling and hiking but once there, the view is magnificent. Visit the sanctuary before enjoying lunch at the Hotel Ristorante Panoramico. If you do, try the Strangozzi al Ragoût di Cinghiale (wild boar sauce). If the hike is too long, drive most of the way and maybe just walk the last 30 minutes from Artó. It certainly would give you a reason to work off the pasta.

Later, drive back down to Orta, stroll the town and take the boat to l’Isola di San Giulio. Stroll the short pathway around the Benedictine monastery, pick up a souvenir and then have a cioccolata calda in Piazza Motta back in Orta.

Piazza Motta in Orta with the Island of San Giulio in the bachground and the Sanctuary above and behind
An UNESCO Site

If you have the time, the Sacro Monte di Orta is a UNESCO site worth visiting. It’s only 5 minutes by car from any parking lot in Orta. A unique sanctuary with  20 Franciscan chapels and 375 terracotta statues, depicting religious stories.

One of the 20 chapels with terracotta statues.

The construction started back in the late 1500’s and were terminated in 1788. The art work is remarkable and its also free. The whole site sits on top of the mountain with a gorgeous view of the lake. At the very least, if you running short of time you must try to make it back an other day. or do quick visit, it’s certainly worth strolling through. I have spent many of my visits to Italy discovering this beautiful small lake rich of secrets. I don’t know why, but I just love this lake in particular when it’s raining…call me crazy.

 A hike on Lake Como

This is a longer hike but the terrain is plenty easy and the sights are amazing. You’ll need about three hours, but wow! it is certainly the most scenic of the lake of Como. Start the trek at the train station in Dervio. Why the train station? Simply because when you arrive in Bellano‘s train station you can catch any of the local trains back to your point of origin.

Leave Dervio station and head to the church of San Quirico e Giulitta facing the lake. Here is where the actual trail starts and although sometimes it’s paved, you are actually on ancient roads that were used to connect Como and Switzerland. Throughout the hike you will see ruins, mulattiere (mule trails) that date back centuries, and lots of farmland and farm houses, in particular the Cascine dei Ronchi, where you’ll have a marvellous view of the lake.

You’ll walk through the Valle dei Mulini, cross over stone bridges and visit the Santuario di Lezzeno and the church of San Bernardino or the one of San Rocco.

This trail is a wonderful testament to history and earlier civilizations. You will reach the Orrodo gorge, an amazing natural wonder with suggestive waterfalls and gollies. Soon after that you’ll see the church of the Saints Nazaro e Celso before heading to Bellano where the trail actually ends at the train station.

Easy Train Ride Home

Relax a bit, have a cappuccino or lunch pending what time you get there and afterwards take the easy way back to Dervio. Since the train ride is only 6 minutes, yes 6 minutes, and costs about €1,50, you can spend some time just visiting that town.

If you don’t want to hike the total distance, and since the two towns are only six minutes by train, you could hike a few kilometres in each place.  You will get a good feeling about the area and still see some great panoramas, and at the same time you have given yourself a good pat on the back for having done at least somewhat of a good nature walk. Any amount of time amongst nature is time well spent. Good for the body, the spirit… and the appetite.

“Till then…Buon viaggio

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.

 

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Welcome – Benvenuti to Italia Bound!

I thought I would start a blog about travel. Not so much because I do a lot of travelling but because I’m constantly asked by clients, friends and acquaintances questions about traveling in Italy. I figured, if all these people are constantly asking for help and advice, there must be many more out there that could use the same.

Italy Should not be Cookie Cutter Holiday

There are a lot of travel agents out there and many more websites, and travel bloggers that do a great job telling you what to do, where to go. Often they target the masses, and if everyone does the same thing, well, you hardly will do anything unique or different. Fortunately for me…and for you I bring a different angle that focus on the topic but comes from an insider’s point of view. I lived in Italy, travel often there, speak several of its dialects and am passionate about my homeland.

Unique Personal Experience

I like to think of myself as more of an insider with valuable information rather than a travel savvy person or agent. The people that I’ve helped over the years always seem to be looking for the same information. Yet have different interests and tastes. They want to know where to find the things they need and what to do that is out of the ordinary. I realize that helping my clients not only saves them money but more importantly saves them time. This allows them to enjoy new things that were not in their original plans. It also puts them at ease about where they are going and the uncertainties are alleviated if not completely eliminated.

Diversify Your Visit in Italy

Although I’ve traveled alone as well as with my family all over Europe, Canada, US and Japan, I give my advice only about my homeland, Italy, because I know it well. I no longer live there, but did grow up in Novara in the Piemonte region and traveled intensely throughout it as well into Friuli where my grandmother lived until she was 99 years old. I would never miss visiting that beautiful region and its hidden treasures.

We also skied in Val D’Aosta and sunbathed in Liguria and Tuscany, so all of Northern Italy in particular is like my own backyard. I lived it and loved it as a child, teen and young adult and enjoy bringing my family there as well. All three of my children and my wife (who doesn’t have an Italian background) have been there many times.

Holiday Like Italians Live

What makes these regions so wonderful is the simplicity of how people live and enjoy life to the fullest. It’s how in Novara at ten o’clock at night, we meet friends in the piazza for a gelato or drive 60 kilometres to Monferrato to have a fabulous lunch that takes three or four hours to consume. And, while we eat the children play outside in the gardens. You can’t go more then 10 kilometres without experiencing a new site, whether it’s monasteries, churches, castles, villages on the many picturesque lakes such as Orta, or ferrying off to an island on the Lago Maggiore.

You can travel from Novara to Udine, for instance, and experience completely different sceneries. Here the dialect, which I know, is a mix of Slav, Italian and Austrian. The piazza has the same architectural designs as Venice, although there is no water to be found. Udine was once part of the Serenissima, The Venetian Republic. Do you want great wine. Great food. Friendly people. Breathtaking panoramas, mountains or white sandy beaches,? Then it’s all in one package in Friuli region.

All these regions offer everything a traveler would want for a complete Italian experience. Different from many other touristy areas, in Friuli you will experience and live more like the Italian way. Foreign tourists are scarce and few. I like to promote more areas such as these because in many ways they reflect more of the true Italian lifestyle.  Often these areas are overlooked and not incorporated in travel plans.

Expand Your Horizons and Explore Italy Landscapes

Individuals that spend their money traveling often want to go where they know they won’t be disappointed. In doing so, they often miss great opportunities to experience new sites. Not everyone is a Lonely Planet type of traveller. Sometimes if an individual only travels once a year for three weeks, they want the best bang for their buck. And who can blame them. Traveling these days can be expensive and time consuming. Why then waste time figuring out what to do once you have already landed. Planning is essential, but at the same time one must leave something for the unexpected.

So, join me in the blogs to come as I explore Italy and give some insights about places, people, food and culture, and I’ll help you discover places that you should visit but often wouldn’t have otherwise considered or better, never even knew existed.

“Till then… Buon viaggio.

Are  you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post?  Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.

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