The Italian Work Ethic

From a mental health standpoint, perhaps the Italians have the right idea when they say, "Why do today what you can do just as easily tomorrow?" (Except it sounds better when they say it.) But one of the frustrating things about Italy is that there's no concept of hurrying. Normally, it wouldn't drive me completely nuts for people to move so slow, since I'm use to that, being a native Southerner and all.

But ... when you're trying to catch a plane or taxi and are on a tight schedule, it can be exhausting working your way through all of the human-induced roadblocks. Need your luggage? Eh, stand there for 30 minutes only to find out the guys unloading the cargo decided to throw it on the belt in another area. In a hurry to make it through passport control and the line is backed up 20-deep? Eh, time for one of two security guards working to take a prolonged stroll to the restroom. And you can forget about a meal being served in under two-and-a-half hours.

All of which led to this humorous exchange.

Client: I hope we make it out of Italy. I hear they may have an airport strike this weekend.

Me: A strike?

Client: Yes, although I think they call it a work slowdown.

Me: A slowdown, huh? I'm not sure how I'm suppose to tell the difference between that and the current method of operation.