Street language and language

In New York, people avoid eye contact and flesh contact at all costs, leaping over open sewers and small dogs, in stillettos, in the rain. French citizens are also practiced in the art of not-encounters, but they do it by walking into one another. No one yields the sidewalk, and everyone gets by. The Italians are in the same camp as the French, but they take it to another level. In fact, they are so adept at collision that they stop just short of kissing you in the street and then inviting you for a coffee.

Italy is less efficient than France (trains, planes, politicians), and at least at first glance, less hostile and rigid. For example, if you attempt to speak French to a French person, they respond in English rather than listen to you butcher their language, even though they detest speaking English. (Americans are the same as the French, by the way, but because most of us can't speak other languages, not to mention our own, we're forced to accept other versions of English). Italians, however, are very supportive of foreigners. They look amused and are full of smiles, and answer in Italian, annuciating clearly. Also hand gestures are a wonderful aid in learning Italian. One doesn't need to know all the words to get the meaning. Italy is a great place to kick an introvert out of her shell. You have to speak boldly, you can't be shy when speaking Italian, or you sound and look more ridiculous than you already are.

I said Italy is less efficient than France, but there is one fabulous exception: eateries. In France you have to keep pestering your waiter, you have to worry about him (not coming back, being rude, bringing the wrong dish). But if there is one word for Italian eateries besides delicious, it's efficient.

France has a few things on Italy, however. You cannot get hot chocolate (or chocolata calda or chocolat chaud) in morning or evening in Italy. It's only an afternoon drink, and they don't make it like they do in France. I had one today and I drank my death (heated chocolate syrup). France also has...hmm, no, on second thought good chocolat chaud is all they've got.