We have been in Bari two months now and have not made much progress on our Italian citizenship. The Commune in Bari told our attorney in Bari that some of the paperwork needed to be corrected (even though the Commune approved the paperwork a year ago). So we are requesting the changes needed be done with some simple letters of explanation, but are waiting on their answer.

Such is life in Italy. It is difficult to have no control over the bureaucracy here and to just sit around and wait. But, hey, on the bright side, we are waiting in southern Italy!

Here are some things that I have noticed about life in southern Italy:

Men socialize outside much more than women. Older men socialize in the parks and play cards. Younger and middle-aged men socialize in groups on the streets usually in front of social clubs that seem oriented only for men. I don’t see groups of women socializing in public other than younger women in restaurants.

You can not order a cappuccino in the afternoon or evening. It is not allowed.

People drink espresso while standing at the counter and leave a 1-euro coin for it.

Women do not wear one-piece bathing suits. All women, no matter the age, wear bikinis or 2-piece suits.

Buying fruit and vegetables from vendors on the street is not self-serve. They select it for you and you tell them how much you want. The fruit only lasts a couple of days so you need to eat it pretty quickly.

Breakfast is espresso and a cornetto pastry. Pasta is eaten at lunch time. Meat or fish is eaten at dinner.

For lunch, people have 2 or 3 large pieces of focaccia each or 1 medium-sized pizza per person.

It is common for Italians to eat in large groups of 8 to 15 people.

It is normal to be asked how old you are in a school or social setting.

This weekend we head to Monteforte Cilento to visit my grandfather’s hometown and visit his grave. We are going during the town’s patronal festival so it should be a fun time and we will meet my grandfather’s stepson’s family. Unfortunately, his stepson passed away in April so I won’t be able to meet him, but his granddaughter is going to host our visit.