Three Things That Make Me Smile in Italy

by Tina Ferrari

One of the best parts of living in a new country is getting to know the people and the little things they do that are unique to their culture.  Cherrye has discussed this a few times on her blog, and now that I’ve been back in Italy a couple of months, I’ve been reminded of a few of my favorite little things Italians say and do.

1.  Ciao – times 10.  If you’ve spent any time in Italy at all, you’ve heard it.  “Ciao, ciao-ciao, ciao-ciao-ciao, ciao-ciao.  Ciao, ciao-ciao. Ciao…ciao.”  This is a common way to say goodbye when ending a cell phone conversation.  “Ciao” is said about 10 times, before AND after disconnecting the call.  That’s right, after.  Next time you have a chance to listen in on a phone conversation in Italy (but don’t tell them I told you to), pay attention.  There is plenty of “ciao” to be said after the call is done and the phone is shut off.  It’s almost like a superstition.

2.  L’influenza.  There’s a flu that Italians always seem to get – nobody else catches it that I know of.  It’s an Italian phenomenon that usually lasts two days.  Last time I heard someone say they were “influenzato”, down with the flu, the person followed their statement with “I think it’s because I had eaten a big lunch and went outside right after.”

3.  Kindness.  On a less humorous and more humble note, the kindness of the people around me in my beautiful new home country has really touched me.  I don’t have a car and sometimes need a lift home from tango.  I didn’t know where to start when I wanted to look for an apartment and needed help.  Though I speak Italian, I didn’t understand the fast-talking lady at the phone company very well and needed someone to call for me and explain to me a little more slowly.  Every time I have said, “Thank you,” the response I’ve gotten each time has been, “Are you kidding?  It’s a pleasure, I enjoy helping you.”  And when this is said in Italian it’s oh so sweet.

Tina Ferrari is an Italian-American translator, tango dancer and part-time writer based in Umbria, Italy.  In addition to AffordableCallingCards.net, Tina can also be found at her blog, Tina Tangos.  Comments are welcome!

Tags: expat in italy, Italy