Italian Secrets... REVEALED

Sicily... not just coastline!

After being in the land of the “dolce vita” (sweet life) for over a week now, I’m starting to get a much better understanding of how Italian culture works.  In Italy, people are the priority – instead of the intense professional focus of Americans.  Talking is also an art form, done in many different ways (loud, louder, and loudest.)  However, there are a number of small differences, mostly in how beverages are consumed.  Here’s a few of the first ‘secrets’ of Italy that I have revealed (more to come later): 

1. No free refills.  There is a running joke among my friends of how much water I drink at restaurants.  In 2005, I led the CFL in refills at 14.3 per, and Ricky Ray nicknamed me “the camel” for my typical multi-refill ordeal.  In fact, one could say that I kept hydrated simply on beverages consumed at eating establishments.  This is not the case in Italy – “tap water” is unheard of – and we are forced to go to the 12oz. cans.  There is a rumor that the local McDonald’s (there are 2 in Catania) may have refills – look for an investigation soon into this matter.

2. Ice is on STRIKE.  The last official ice cube served in Italy dates all the way back to the late 20^th century, when ice was still abundant in the boot-shaped country.  Today, ice has been put on the “endangered condiment list” and is rarely seen in public, let alone the wild.  Some theories point to Global Warming, saying that ice has gone extinct in Italy.  However, there have been some recent sightings, such as at Magri Restaurant in Catania – where exactly two small cubes were seen in a glass.  To combat this problem, the European Union will begin to import a limited number of freezers to see if they can begin repopulating the ice population in the country.  Yet the future of ice does not look bright in this area.

3. Walking Arm in Arm: It’s a GUY thing.  In American malls, it is normal to see a group of giggling teenage girls walking arm in arm, having the time of their lives while text messaging (probably to someone in England, where everyone text messages.)  In Italy, this scene is often repeated as well… only with grown men, walking through the streets at night.  This is in fact a ‘macho’ thing to do… guys ‘on the prowl’ I guess.  While I find this perfectly normal here (and perhaps a new way of BLOCKING for our offensive line) - it is just something that one would not see with a group of college frat boys in the US.  However, George and Matt are going to start trying this in town to see how it feels.

4. George is a “hunt-and-peck” typist.  I didn’t want to blow his cover, but I think everyone should appreciate the vast amount of information George is posting… one finger at a time.  Instead of typing fast with all fingers, George chugs along at a meager 23 words per minute.   In fact, while Elephant players worry about taping their ankles for practice, George is starting to consider taping his right pointer finger.  (Don’t worry, I’ve already ordered him a CD and we will begin working on the ‘home row’ next week.)

5. Coke is KING.  While Pepsi continues to battle for soda supremacy in North America, Europe is all about “Coca” and it’s zero calorie cousin, “Coca Light.”  In fact, I would estimate that 34% of our income here is spent on 12 oz. Coca cans in restaurants, that go for a meager 2 Euro per (that’s $3 US for those of you scoring along at home).  Where is Pepsi?  I do not know.

~ J. Twice