Not sure if such a book or web site exists,<BR>but I would love to know some Do's and Don'ts<BR>while in Italy - any suggestions of specific customs or resources - on-line would be great.

Before travelling to Italy last September, we found a book called "The Italian Way". It covers aspects of behavior, attitudes, and customs of the Italians. We found it to be most helpful when we visited the homes of my husband's relatives. The authors are Mario Costantino and Lawrence Gambella. I found it at Borders for $12.95.

This is not on-line, but is also a book that is easily found<BR>"Culture Shock, Italy."<BR>there is also a Rome version,<BR>These books are mainly for those who may be moving there.<BR>But, I have found both to be very informative.<BR>A couple tips I have received from this forum,<BR>1- do not handle the fruits or veggies, but point to what you want to buy.<BR>Same with being in a store, don't pull sweaters off the shelf, but wait or ask to be assisted.<BR>2- greet the person with whom you are dealing. Don't start right in with your requests to look/purchase.<BR>The first one is something I did not know.<BR>The second one I think is also just common courtesy and should be used anywhere one goes.<BR>Good luck and have a really fun time!<BR>

One thing I didn't know was the process for getting a check in a restaurant. Until you ask for the check, you will not be given one. They are very patient, and they do not want to hurry you. You must ask, or you will sit there a very long time!<BR><BR>Deborah

I think that a golden rule is to ask and not take.<BR>I saw a young American woman in Venice causing great offence to the staff in a restaurant probably without meaning to. When she and her friend were given bread after ordering their meal she got up, went to the waiters' station, picked a soup plate and a condiment stand and took them to her table. She then mixed oil and vinegar and dipped the bread into it. The waiter was polite but frosty and the moment they had eaten, the pair were brought their bill and were obviously expected to leave.

One custom I found disconcerting until I found out that this is the way it is done, is when you are in line for something--buying tickets at the train station, for instance--the Italians are not as regimented about it as we are. They gather around and vie for position. They aren't pushy exactly, just competitive. Marilyn