I just returned from a trip to Tunisia, with a short stopover in Italy on the return, and I feel that I must warn about an affliction that apparently affects older Italian men, and it may be contagious. But I observed many older men who have apparently lost muscle control in their arms because they are unable to lift their arms to place them through their jacket sleeves, so instead they wear their jackets draped over their shoulders, which looks precarious and uncomfortable. I'm not sure what causes this and hope its not contagious, but my resolution is to increase arm and shoulder exercises at the gym so that when I'm older I'll be able to wear my jacket as a jacket instead of a cape.

Great point - that is why my garment of choice in Europe is a black, full-length cape as it leaves my hands free for ice cream.

I think they do it because it is easier to clasp their hands behind their back when they walk along. (It is one of their rules)

But don't they look so handsome during their passagiata!

Yes!! Their passagiata is like a slow moving ballet, so beautiful.

Hi T,

This problem is probably related to WWII.

If you look at Italian movies from the 50's, you will see that the affliction was widespread then.

It is related to another medical problem prevalant among Italian men: whenever they are close to the backside of a woman, the thumb and first finger clench involuntarily.