European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - July 29, 1987, Darmstadt, Hesse Through � most of your visit my Ter at is f or he word Pennetto excuse me. Whether you re on a bus or a train beware of people bumping against you. Pickpockets Only need a split second to empty a pocket. Taxis Are reasonably priced if the meter is used but the sum on the meter to Only a vague indication of the actual Cost b9 there always seem to be some extra or other charges new fare increases nighttime or Luggage surcharges. Beware of illegal taxis with no meters As they often charge exorbitant prices. If you must use one insist on a firm Price before setting out. If you drive Inlo the country you la find that major italian highways Are Well maintained and served by numerous Gas stations restaurants and Coffee shops. But gasoline purchased on the Economy is quite expensive just under $4 a gallon and your car will receive a lot of Wear and tear from the rugged secondary roads. In cities congealed streets and erratic italian driving habits May Nave you wondering whether you have just ended up in the Middle of a huge family quarrel. Many intersections have no traffic lights and by Law the vehicle on your right has the right of Way. Although some Drivers exert their precedence very door ssh Aly italian Law requires you 1st him pass. Keep your patience and your sense of humor also Many City streets Are narrow and parking is difficult. Almost All City parking Lota Are attended to by a White Cap a guard wearing a White Beret. While some Are licensed in designated areas with Blue markings on tha pavement the majority Are Leif appointed and if something happens to your car accept no responsibility. In either Case you la be asked to pay for the first hour in Advance the going rate is 1000 lire about 70 cents. Use Legal parking lots whenever possible. Do not leave valuables in your car and Tock it. Shopping aside from a few department stores Italy adheres to the tradition of specially stores. So you la find bread in a Panetteri Ham and cheese in a Salomena stationary in a Carto Taria and Stamps in a Taba Caberia. Bui you will be amazed at the variety of goods available at opera to markets. Tha markets open Early in the morning and dose shortly after noon in Iho summer a three hour afternoon siesta is still a must. Cultivate the Art of Barg Irwig and Don t give up Loo quickly it you find something you really want. When the once is not agreeable to you leave the stall. If the Vendor really wants the Sale hell cab alter you with a final offer. A attn it s no secret that in Italy eating is an All important event so sit Back and enjoy your meal. As italians say you Don t grow old at the,table." your choices include a Rist Orante with extensive menus numerous tables and uniformed waiters. Many restaurants also offer fixed Price tourist menu dinners for the asking. A Trattoria or pizzeria with Good Home style meals or pizza and House wine at moderate prices. Few italians turn out for lunch before 1 30 ., which Means you can get better service by arriving a bit earlier. Dinner is taken from 3q Onward but most restaurants geared to foreign visitors will Start serving at 7 30 In most restaurants you will not get butter with bread unless you ask and vegetables and salads Are considered separate dishes. After completing the meal you have to ask for the conto the Bill which Wil include various charges such As of bread use of linens and silverware Iva a value added tax 10%and a Serai re service charge for tha Waite if no service charge is added you Are expected to tip about 15%. Ii is the Law in Italy that you must be Given a receipt when you pay the Bill. If you Are stopped near the restaurant and do not have the receipt both you and the owner May be subject to a Fine. When you Are in a hurry try a Tavola Calda a counter service restaurant or a pan Ineria a Sandwich shop. Coffee bars in Italy bar is synonymous with cafe and. Between 9 and 11 . Bars Are crowded with people sipping Frothy capuccino espresso Coffee with steamed milk and munching on Corneli Vanilla Flavoured croissants. When ordering you must first pay the cashier then take your Token or Scottino receipt to the bar and give your order. Handing in a Small tip with your receipt 100 lire about 10 cells will ensure prompt service clothing italians Are tolerant by nature and will not take much notice of your clothes. However they might Lake offence if you enter a Church wearing scanty clothes such As shorts or Halter lops. At the major Basilicas doormen keep watch and firmly turn away anyone not appropriately dressed Day july 29,1887 the stars and stripes Page 15
