I interviewed the woman who works at the hostel desk, and she gave me mostly general answers for the Italian people- I think she got the drift that I wanted Italian culture information, so I got her generalizations to share.
1&2. What is your favorite part of Italy/ what do you think is unique about this country?
People take it slow. Most Italians think about the present, not about what will go in in 10 years.
3. How much time do you spend with your family? What do you do together?
Most free time is spent with family- it is very important to Italian culture. Even for those that are working, vacations are spent visiting family. There is also Sunday lunch, where families sit and slowly eat together, could be 5 hours long. Also, soccer is shown on Sunday, so families watch together.
4. What are your plans in terms of education in the future?
(Done with education, didn't specify). Most Italians get degrees because they're obliged to by their parents. They know they need one to work, but put very little effort into education.
5. What is a typical meal for your country?
Pasta!
6. Do you play any sports? What do you do in terms of physical activity?(answered based off general Italian culture)
It depends on the region. I see people jogging, elementary school kids play soccer after school or go swimming, girls like to dance...
7. Do you have a regular doctor that you go to yearly? Is this common in your country?
Yes, a public family doctor. They're good and cheap (free). Hospitals are free here, but slow and bad. First aid is fast, but for appointments, it could take months or even a year. Private hospitals can take only one day, but it could be €200 to book the appointment and another €300 for treatment.
8. How often do you visit the doctors?
Whenever I don't feel well. Old people go often, up to 2 times a month!
9. Do you smoke?
No, but it is common in Italy. Students will go to the bathroom during school to smoke.
10. Do you feel hat your country is overall healthy?
Yes, there is nice weather and nice food. Italians are a lazy people, but good people.
11. Private or public healthcare?
Both (see #7)
Something else that was interesting- the other girl working the desk was from the Philippines, but has worked in Italy for 7 years. She commented that she would go back to the Philippines to get medical attention because it would be better and faster there.
In school, we learned a lot about Philippine Nursing, and how serious it is. It's actually very similar to the US's views and work ethic related to Nursing. I asked her about it, and she said a friend of hers was taking Nursing classes in college, and she was always studying, and could never go out with them... Sounds familiar.
Also, they have to pass a yearly exam to continue Nursing.
On another note, I talked to Tom a bit about Nursing in Australia, and he said the same thing as Daisy- they need them. But he did say they get paid more, $80,000 to $90,000 for experienced/ specialized nurses.
Some observations about Italian culture-
People really do talk with their hands.
Italians are very friendly, and the male population tends to be too friendly.
We have seen more couples intensely kissing in public than anywhere else.
Greetings are done by kissing each cheek, like what we saw in France.
Italians prefer their own food- pasta, pizza, bruschetta, seafood, cheese, meat. There weren't as many differently cultured restaurants.
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