at his assumption that I was after cold coffee. I was thrown when he presented me with a glass of hot milk. After noticing my look of surprise, however, the barista gave me an understanding smile and witihin a few minutes I had the hot coffee I'd come in for. This was just a glimpse of the unrivalled Italian hospitality I would experience. Another time in Italy, when ten of my English friends were visiting, I was once again faced with my inability to order food abroad. Attempting to convey that I was after twelve different pizzas, the man behind the counter laughed and asked,
“Are you English?”
“No,” I responded.
Regardless of my response, I felt he was sympathetic towards the struggles of adapting to a new country - and proceeded to present me with a compassionate free bottle of white wine. Which, let’s face it, is the Italian way to soften any cultural blunder...
VIAGGI