The following piece is by one of our talented students, Sofia, who is also a photographer by profession. After learning about British Etiquette in one of our English lessons, her homework was the following:
Write an email to a friend who is coming to Milan. She wants to do all the touristy activities. Give her some advice on how to act around the locals, like your “rules of etiquette”!
Hi Giulia!
I’m so glad to hear that you’ve decided to visit Milan. I’m sure you know where to go and what to see.
Remember! You can’t miss the Duomo and the Castello Sforzesco, but let me give you some advice on how to act around the locals!
Italians are really in love with food, and there are some rules of etiquette you need to respect! First of all, please, don’t have a cappuccino while eating lunch or dinner, it’s something really really inappropriate.
Another thing you must not do is putting parmesan on fish, I can’t tell you why. We are used to drinking wine while heaving lunch or dinner, it’s for pleasure not a way to get drunk, so don’t overdo it!
Milanese people are really in love with fashion, so please, when you visit the city try to dress properly. Do not dress like you have to do a mountain expedition or a walk at the beach. Please remember that if you want to visit a church you need to have your shoulders and legs covered.
That’s all! And if someone calls you “Bella” in the street, it’s just a compliment!
E voi invece?
