traveltales: ITALIAN BARS

Sunday, July 1, 2018

ITALIAN BARS

A Bar, Not What You Think

When I traveled Italy I frequented many bars, but this is a good example where words have different meanings in different cultures.

In Italy, a bar is an open-air kiosk sandwich shop where one eats his purchase while standing, not sitting. At a quick stop such a gas station often one is able to stand at a round high table that is little bigger than a shelf; but it is a place to put a drink and sandwich. Two can be uncrowded at such a table. These bar tables are about 18 inches in diameter, a little shy of four feet high and are often built around a post

Most restaurants in Italy have a cover charge of a few dollars to sit at a table---and one time that included us long enough to eat an ice cream cone!

I learned quickly in Italy sandwiches are served naked—that is dry with no mustard, mayonnaise, butter, relish or catsup, never mind a tomato sliceor lettuce! I hope today that most places have at least a condiment table/bar. One day a old fellow was sharing my bar table. He seemed to be having a bit of trouble eating and finally commented that his sandwich was sticking to the roof of his mouth. I thought, thank goodness he doesn’t have false teeth, as I surely wouldn’t have wanted to look at them as I ate my lunch! Next time some individual packs of condiments went in a plastic bag in my luggage.

Italians have no concept of what it means to form a line or to join a queue .You just have to elbow your way to the counter or you never have a chance to pay for your merchandise.

One day in Venice, Italy I did find a fast food Italian restaurant where we could sit at a table for free. The food was good and it was a pleasure to sit and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Over the years I hope the American fast food industry has brought some changes to the Italian eating market that does not involve traditional sit down restaurants.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.