The Italian way of life,... by bpaskin
The Italian way of life, especially in Rome and south, is slower than the North America and most of Western Europe. The culture is friendly and Italians will make you feel at home. However, their life is based on family, so if you are not God, Family, or Friend, then you are other. And they may take advantage of that fact, unless you curse at them or make a big stink. This usually does not happen in tourist places, but it can happen in taxis, shops, or anywhere else. Most of Western Europe or North America there is a little trust between people, whether it is in a shop or somewhere else. However, Italians do not trust each other, let alone a tourist. It takes a long time for the trust to build up.
