You would think that what counts as rude or impolite would be basically the same no matter where you go, especially when dealing with a European country, however you would be mistaken. I’m often amazed by the differences between what counts as impolite here compared to back in the states and vice versa. For example, [...]
Posts under ‘Culture Shock’
Water, Water everywhere and not a drop to drink
I remember my Nana saying that, but I really don’t know why. I’m sure she was quoting something, but I never did learn what it was. As for water, you can get used to anything I guess, but I was having a really difficult time getting used to the water situation here in Italy. You [...]
Mrs. Clean where are you?
Did you know that Italians have the cleanest homes in Europe? That’s rather daunting for a slacker like me. Yes, I admit it, I don’t have the cleanest house around and I definitely don’t measure up to the rest of the Italians. So, it’s no surprise when I say that I feel rather self-conscious when [...]
Don’t give me that!
OK, so I’ve got a gripe. What is it with people who think they can just give things to your child? I know that most of the time it’s not done to be nasty, but sometimes I just wish people would stop and think first. The other day I wrote about Luigi being sugar sensitive. [...]
Hold the sugar
It seems the Luigi is very sensitive to sugar. We didn’t discover this right away because we actually don’t give him very much sugar to begin with, so it wasn’t obvious. He doesn’t get any packaged cakes, no sugary cereal and we’re not constantly giving him candy like I notice other kids eating. Maybe it [...]
Does anybody really know what time it is?
Before I came to Italy I was a busy person. There was never enough time and I often wished the week had an extra day in it. You know it’s pretty bad when you resent the time you need to spend sleeping. I had a friend who somehow managed to function on only 3 or [...]
The line-up
I tend to avoid generalizing about people and it always bugs me when other people do so. You know, the statements like “I’m supposed to have a bad temper (or talk loud), I’m Italian” or “I like to drink because I’m Irish” – those kind of stupid statements. For the record, not all Italians have [...]
Above the law
Italy is my home. I’ve chosen to live here, not only because O lives here, but also because I love it, warts and all. Sometimes those warts can seem pretty big though. So big, in fact, that no amount of Compound W is going to get them to go away. With the recent problems in [...]
Expat Chat: How the Internet is Changing the Expat Experience
I’m pleased to host a guest blogger today; Cherrye Moore is a fellow expat who lives in the beautiful region of Calabria where she and her husband run a Bed & Breakfast. Cherrye is also a southern travel consultant and freelance writer. Today Cherrye discusses how the internet makes the expat experience a bit easier. [...]
Reading the signs
Lately I’ve begun reading again…..well, when I can. It’s not always easy and if Luigi sees me with a book in hand then he wants it. He’s pretty tricky too, finding ways to get me to put it down where he can reach it and then trying to snatch it when I’m otherwise occupied. Getting [...]
