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The Italians are as wonderful and as varied as the country they inhabit. Like their food they vary from region to region although certain stereotypes were not complete invention and are common to all. Discovering them is what makes knowing them fun. The people are volatile, never indifferent to anything, they are very well informed, extremely animated and terribly hospitable. They adore expressing themselves in every moment, gesticulating to accompany the sound of their voice. It is almost as if they are embraced in a dance to imitate the melody of their voice. Their language is lyrical and explains why opera started life in this country. They are so opinionated and so convinced that there regional opinions are the correct ones. They are an extremely heterogenous people and have developed as many dialects as regions and cities to prove it. So even if you speak Italian and cannot understand them do not worry, it is not your Italian you have simply found yourself in the land of the dialect. Following closely behind the love of listening to themselves is the love affair they have with their own image which explains why the fashion industry is one of the country's main commerce. Combine this with a love of socializing and you can understand why on of their rituals is evening stroll (passeggiata). Remember that when you meet an Italian you are faced with an actor, a singer, an artist, a scientist and a diplomat all rolled into one. They are visibly the most passionate of people and most passionate about everything of which they have an opinion and that's everything! They are also the most sensitive, most accomodating and most hospitable. Love them or hate them you will not be indifferent to them. |