So I’ve started looking on Craigslist for wardrobe standing closets and kitchen islands and my husband thinks I’m crazy.  After all we won’t be moving for months!  However, the more prepared I feel, the less my stress level is.  Don’t get me wrong, we are super excited for the move, but I tend to wake up at night and not be able to sleep because of all these things going on in my head.

One of the things I just started reading about is cultural differences.  People keep laughing that my kids will return to the states either as mobsters or as little casanovas.  Funny, but what really are the differences… 

Firstly, I’ve read that speaking Italian is very appreciated.  We’ve recently purchased a number of books and Pimsleur’s audio CD’s.  I just finished lesson 5 and am feeling confident.  The last phrase I learned was how to say “I would like a drink, please”.  ha, I think I like that one.

Other cultural differences I just read are listed below.  The Lining up one sounds hilarious now, but maybe won’t be so funny when I actually experience it.

• Lining up.  What can I say, Italians don’t!  It has gotten better in recent years though so all hope is not lost.  If you arrive someplace (the doctor’s office is a good example) you need to ask who is the last in line (chi è l’ultimo?) and then you will know that you are after the person that responds.
• Dropping in.  Italians show up unannounced quite often.  Don’t be surprised by this.  If your house is normally in a state of CHAOS (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome) then at least make sure that your entryway is nice and tidy.

Now… to download more Pimsleur lessons!