Jaunted

Tags: Italy / Culture / Tourism / Books / → All Tags

Ciao Bella Psychology

Italians--what's their deal? No, it's not the beginning of yet another Seinfeldian riff from these quarters, but the subject of a recent book by Corriere della Sera columnist Beppe Severigni. His recent volume, La Bella Figura, is all about Italians being Italians. For those who are unfamiliar with this concept, it's quite similar to Manny being Manny.

Apparently, you can gain a valuable insight in the differences between Italian and British culture solely on the basis of their flight attendants. While the British may be better at the whole pleasant and efficient service thing, Mr. Severigni posits, the Italians are better at cleaning up their spils and making you feel better about it. He calls it the "national talent for responding creatively to small crises".

What can you learn from American flight attendants, you ask? Why, that it's time to sit the hell back down and wait your turn for your snack box. At least the Italians are spilling a tasty meal on your lap.

[Image via kOAn/Flickr]

Related Stories:
·   La Bella Figura [NYT]