The Polite Traveler

  My dear polite travelers, We have just returned from a very enlightening and enjoyable Italian holiday.  The focus of the trip was in part research (manners, etiquette , and mobility challenged travel-related) and in part just plain soaking up the culture.  Fun.  Most easily, we found our fun and interaction with others.  However, the research and soaking up the culture of the locals was the difficult part of the equation.  Tourist Overload I suppose we set ourselves up for this difficulty due to our choices of location.  As a teacher, I felt compelled to visit a few of the best-known art and architecture/historical centers: Siena, Florence, and Venice (skipped Rome this visit).  These cities are not only drenched in art and history but they are also overrun with tourists.  So, mostly we found ourselves surrounded by those either not from Italy or those truly tired of intruders.  We have all heard of the ugly Americans, those w...

  Our manners are the most important accessory to pack when vacationing in a foreign country.  The people of each country view protocol, etiquette, and manners differently.  Just consider our presidents’ trips to Europe and all the different protocols each was required to learn and then exhibit.  This is something all of us should consider as we venture out beyond our borders.  Dress and Behave for the Region For example, if vacationing in Italy, plan to dress and behave more formally than here in the US.  Italians firmly believe in a term called, “bella figura,” which literally means beautiful figure.  Culturally, Italians believe in behaving with a sense of decorum and formality and this term reflects this belief.  This is a natural extension from loyalty to family , friends, and the community, especially in the south.   One should always try to present oneself in the best manner; one’s actions should at least appear virtuous. ...

My Short Visit to the Land of Color and Water My trip to Italy began with a short stay in the land of water, color and striking architecture.  Add all those up and most people would guess I’m talking about Venice.  In two short days, I fell in love with all I stumbled upon.  Here’s what I found. Water, water everywhere! Ah, beautiful Venice.  Land of …lots of water!  Venice is comprised of over one hundred little islands separated by canals.  Ingeniously, bridges link all these islands.  Many of these bridges are absolutely stunning.  My favorite was the famous Rialto Bridge, which is nearest to our lodging, Pensione Guerrato.  I believe the Rialto is most famous due to the market that runs its entire length.  It could also be due to the its history of collapsing.  It has done so a number of times in the past. The best way to travel in Venice’s water slogged city is by Vap...