Jan H
 |
That is a very broad question, rather open ended, and always possible to interpret many diverse ways.
I have lived in Italy, and there are indeed wonderful people, great food, spectacular works of art, history everywhere, and a country full of contradictions, as well.
There is an old Machismo attitude that is really hard to swallow, for me, as an American Woman. I found the fact that so many men were unable to remail faithful despite the dictates of the Catholic Church, that I found it most uncomfortable. I had many friends who were women whose husbands had mistresses, and children and they treated it as though it was ok. I found that deplorable! Yet, the whole world knows that the Italian people are very family oriented, and prize their familial roots with absolute ferocity. This I loved about them. I never met a person who did not come from a strong, loving family.
I loved the passeggiare nightly, and on the weekends, it was a wonderful way to meet people, and I felt a closeness that I don't feel here in my neighborhood. I also loved the incredible open markets, and the terrific opportunities to participate in various events, like birthdays, weddings, etc. What a wonderful legacy.
I love the language. No other language sounds so incredible when one sings like Italian. I love the literature, the music, the art works, the buildings, the fountains, the churches, the gardens, and the smell of the country side. I think I have gotten carried away, but despite the one thing I did not appreciate, there are a million wonderful things about Italy.
The people are warm, friendly, loyal and without doubt, some of the handsomest people on the Earth. I was somewhat shocked and even disgusted by the lack of personal hygeine I saw, from really bad teeth, to body odor that is absolutely repulsive. But I was able to shower daily, and wash my hair, and brush my teeth, so I felt clean, and I just ignored it after while, except in the late summer on the busses! Ouch!
I have many friends in Italy, and we talk frequently. Once a year we travel to each other's home and spend some time together. My friend lives in Florence, which, is one of the most important cities in the world. She once lived in Roma, but her husband was transferred to Florence, so no they have a beautiful villa outside outside the city. When I visit, I will stay for 3 months, and we will travel together. I will be going to see her in December, and we will be traveling to Greece, Turkey, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. She was here in April this year, and we spent a month in Mexico, and the Carribbean soaking up the sun. It is a pleasure to have her as a friend, and believe me when I say, we have some great meals, and lots of discussions about everything.
I cherish her friendship, and the other people who I know in Italy. Do like Italians? ABSOLUTELY! Do you like Americans?
You live on a beautiful island. I spent a month once at a resort on an island in the Strait of Bonifacio. It was both exotic, and spectacular. I loved every day. I bought a statute of a marble copy of the Michaelangelo's David, which stands in my garden, next to a fountain. Yes, I have great memories of that month. I hope you have the chance to see the rest of your country, there are some spectacular sites. |
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