britishness, travel
The only time Italians will not invade your personal space
Yesterday at work I overheard a colleague speaking on the phone about his recent trip to Italy:
Yes, we were in Bologna. How bizarre, you know, people, when they give you change, they don't touch you!
And I knew exactly what he meant. Every business establishment (at least in Northern Italy, not entirely sure about other places) has a tiny saucer or a metal plate (usually glued to the counter so that it does not get stolen) where you are meant to collect the change you are given.
Stretching out your hand 'à l'anglaise', expecting them to deposit your change into it, only meets puzzled looks.
I should know. I do it all the time when I'm there. Once, even, the lady at the till went so far as to move my outstreched hand aside because it was above the sodding change saucer.
It's not like Italians are afraid of physical contact. So what's the deal with money then?