I’ve been to Italy about five times (and I hope 50 more), but a few years ago, I spent extended time in Florence. Natives kept presuming I was French and I finally asked why. I was overjoyed with the response: “You don’t look Italian, but you dress well, and fit into our culture.” I long for Italy every day! Great article.
Hello Mary Kay, thank you for your note. I’m not surprised what they told you as Italians are very vocal about looks and mannerism. If ever in Tuscany drop me a note. Arrivederci
I’m laughing as I am reading as I can see every single faux pas! But I do have to admit that my husband in particular still likes Parmesan on his seafood pasta and I do like the assistance of a spoon when rolling my pasta around a fork. Despite all of what you have said I reckon you could pick a tourist a mile off, camera around the neck, phone in hand, taking selfies, and definitely not dressing like an Italian, you definitely have style whatever you are wearing.
Interessante manuale per le istruzioni 😊 sicuramente si possono aggiungere a questa simpatica lista altre curiosità, per esempio David potrebbe stupirsi che la sua pizza non è già tagliata in spicchi 🍕 in Italia ognuno taglia la propria pizza con molta fantasia: chi mangia solo il centro e lascia la crosta tutto intorno, chi fa grosse fette e le piega come un fazzoletto… insomma c’è un’espressione personale e tutta creativa e non è previsto che il pizzaiolo interpreti i tuoi gusti 😉
I remember years ago you lent me the book “north of Naples, south of Rome” by Paolo Tullio. I loved it so much that I bought 10 copies and offered to my friends. Still one of my favourites about Italian culture.
I speak from personal experience when I say that on my first day of work in Rome I ordered a cappuccino after lunch with colleagues. The group conversation came to a screeching halt and one kind co-worker took me aside to gently tell me never to do that again. 😆
Tu illustres bien leurs agissements. J’aurais ajouté une scène qui se serait passé au petit déjeuner et qu’il déplore à vive voix le fait qu’il n’y a pas de beurre de peanuts et qu’il n’y a pas de pancakes 😁
You forgot to mention in your list of faux pas that ordering a latte and expecting coffee is a big goof!
Lol. You are so right Chandi.
I’ve been to Italy about five times (and I hope 50 more), but a few years ago, I spent extended time in Florence. Natives kept presuming I was French and I finally asked why. I was overjoyed with the response: “You don’t look Italian, but you dress well, and fit into our culture.” I long for Italy every day! Great article.
Hello Mary Kay, thank you for your note. I’m not surprised what they told you as Italians are very vocal about looks and mannerism. If ever in Tuscany drop me a note. Arrivederci
I’m laughing as I am reading as I can see every single faux pas! But I do have to admit that my husband in particular still likes Parmesan on his seafood pasta and I do like the assistance of a spoon when rolling my pasta around a fork. Despite all of what you have said I reckon you could pick a tourist a mile off, camera around the neck, phone in hand, taking selfies, and definitely not dressing like an Italian, you definitely have style whatever you are wearing.
Interessante manuale per le istruzioni 😊 sicuramente si possono aggiungere a questa simpatica lista altre curiosità, per esempio David potrebbe stupirsi che la sua pizza non è già tagliata in spicchi 🍕 in Italia ognuno taglia la propria pizza con molta fantasia: chi mangia solo il centro e lascia la crosta tutto intorno, chi fa grosse fette e le piega come un fazzoletto… insomma c’è un’espressione personale e tutta creativa e non è previsto che il pizzaiolo interpreti i tuoi gusti 😉
Si vero. Infatti ero stupito anche io i primi tempi. 🍕
Tino , Jan here!
I am familiar with ‘elasticity’ vs punctuality
Personal space and a light hug / buss is pretty well known
Condiments [Ranch dressing!!!] on pizza… shoot that guy!!! [maybe a drizzle of chili oil]
Milk based coffee after 10.00 is a no no
The bill… pick up the bill when you are the visitor
Over planning… I’m there. Too much becomes a barrier to spontaneity
Dinner before 9.00 and you’re lucky to find a resto or osteria
Dressing .. don’t be a slob anywhere.. ever
Pasta no spoon, no cheese with seafood and take a pass on the butter and olive oil IMO
About , directness, passionate convos and no tipping, these were all surprises. Mind I have a tendency to be direct and passionate with close friends
Did I surprise you Tino?
Maybe I’ll take the train to visit you in Quebec City in 2025 for a day. Time will tell!
All the best over the holiday season my fine friend
Best
Jan
You did really well Jan, you’re ready to go.
I remember years ago you lent me the book “north of Naples, south of Rome” by Paolo Tullio. I loved it so much that I bought 10 copies and offered to my friends. Still one of my favourites about Italian culture.
Nice concept, Tino.
I speak from personal experience when I say that on my first day of work in Rome I ordered a cappuccino after lunch with colleagues. The group conversation came to a screeching halt and one kind co-worker took me aside to gently tell me never to do that again. 😆
I’m not surprised, and now it’s my Canadian politeness that holds me back from telling off my friends when they order a cappuccio after a meal.
Hum… Je ne les ai pas tous devinés! Ahah! J’ai du chemin à parcourir. Excellente idée de nous éduquer.
Tu illustres bien leurs agissements. J’aurais ajouté une scène qui se serait passé au petit déjeuner et qu’il déplore à vive voix le fait qu’il n’y a pas de beurre de peanuts et qu’il n’y a pas de pancakes 😁
Shhh 🤫 mais chez moi en Italie ma blonde et moi avons toujours du beurre de peanut et parfois même des pancakes le matin.
😂
Great read! Having been in Italy recently two years in a row I enjoyed spotting all the “ faux pas”!
The coffee to go is still something that I enjoy!
I know you do. ☺️