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Italians are classy dressers... even for a quick trip
to the supermarket. Americans are easily identified in Italy
because they're the only ones in jeans, sneakers, sweats or
florescent running suits. There's no right or wrong dress, but
armed with this information you can decide on your own style
statement.
After marveling at the cathedrals, artwork and gorgeous countryside
- watching the world go by from a sidewalk café is still
one of the most enjoyable activities in Italy.
The affectionate nickname Italians (yes, waiters, too...) use
for pasta is "PASTASCIUTTA".
"Spaghetti and meatballs" do not exist in Italy.
In Italy spaghetti is never eaten with the assistance of a spoon.
Italian pizzas are very thin and the size of an average
dinner plate. They are always eaten with a knife and fork. Some
consider it culinary heaven when combined with a Peroni beer.
Italians don't use the term "espresso" because it's their standard
style of coffee. For an espresso simply ask for a café.
If you wish something closer to American style coffee ask for
"café latte" or "cappuccino".
"Bruschetta" is mispronounced in almost every Italo-American
restaurant. It is correctly pronounced "brus-káyt-ta."
It is a proven fact that a coin thrown behind your back into
the Trevi Fountain will result in a return visit to Italy
- the only exceptions are those don't live long enough to return.
Italy has the world's smallest elevators.
Italians dislike ice and air-conditioning - they're already
"cool".
Anyone not fond of a squiggly octopus with tentacles
in their seafood appetizer, soup or risotto, should practice
saying the words "senza polpo, per favore". While polpo is a
popular delicacy in most regions of Italy, they can make some
Americans queasy.
Take the Grappa challenge! The popular Italian after
dinner drink is a grape-based clear spirit of between 80 and
100 proof. It is made from the distillation of the pieces of
grapes, stems and seeds left over from the winemaking process.
Caution: Grappa can lead to unanticipated behavior.
For daintier souls, Limoncello is a delightful after
dinner cordial made from lemon rinds. It's fragrant and refreshing
kick in the pants.
Many first timers to Italy will encounter a new bathroom fixture
- the Bidet (pronounced Bee-Day). Long an essential in
the sophisticated homes and hotels of Paris, Rome, Caracas and
Rio, it may be described as a little bath to sit in. Given its
hygienic benefits it remains a mystery why Americans have not
adopted them.
We welcome your "first timers" advice for
travelers to Italy.
Drop us a line at: info@perillotours.com.
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