My 17 year old son, the fourth child, is back from his trip to Italy with the Shapperts of Dewitt. I picked them up at the airport just before 11. They looked and acted as you would imagine they would after 24 hours of travel; exhausted, not yet able to process what was the very best they experienced in that ancient and extraordinary country, and happy to be home.
No surprise, Christian found the Italian children to be quite different than Americans. Congregating each day at a pier at the foot of a castle on the island of Ischea, Christian said the Italian children of all ages treated the two Americans like rock stars. That Christian could perform a front flip off the pier into the Carribean-like azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea greatly elevated his status with the locals. As they said good bye to their new Italian pals, Christian reported one of the 17 year old boys embraced him for a long time, in a very un-American way, and said he would be missed.
There’s something about the children of Europe that is genuine, warm, kind and uninhibited. Christian said the boys wore a variety of swimsuit styles; some speedo-puny, some American-like board shorts and others in between. In America, according to Christian, when someone wears something out of step with all the rest, they get dissed, but in Italy, the children adore difference in the way only sophisticated American adults might here.
Christian said the Italian kids of all ages felt blessed to have American kids from “New York” in their presence and of course, they all spoke with varying degrees of English proficiency. Do we treat foreign visitors with the same appreciation and acceptance? Christian saw amazing sites in Italy, but if nothing sticks besides the way he and Matt Shappert were treated by the local kids, the money for the trip will have been worth it.
What do you think about this? Have you been to Europe and observed the same thing? I’ve been to Europe several times, witnessed first hand the way European children behave both there and here in America, and I found Christian’s observations to be consistent with my own. I’d love to know your thoughts.
My gift from Italy; a porcelain German Shepherd from Ishcea
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I enjoyed reading this about the Italian children. We went to Syria last year and were also treated like very important people. I was hanging out mostly with young college aged men who were studying to be doctors, dentists and engineers yet they were treating US like we were something special. I honestly looked at my arms one time to see if I had morphed into a god.
The people in Syria were incredibly kindhearted, welcoming and helpful. I fell in love with that place namely because of the people. I still miss walking through Old Damascus and hearing the children say “Hallooo! Welcome!”
Susanne you make me want to travel to Syria! Hopefully some young parents will be inspired to raise their children with the same respect afforded visitors that we get abroad. Thanks for the post.
Maureen
I’m married to a child of Italy. Given that I am American born from Irish and Italian decent I am totally different. My husband is extremely affectionate. He hugs and kisses everyone he somewhat knows. Me – oh no – step back and don’t get in my space. I traveled to Italy 20 years ago on our honeymoon and met several of my husband’s cousins. I was impressed that they knew a second language so early in life – thank goodness so I could talk to someone. I admire the way the young kids went out of their way for me. I nearly died when I saw the men in those speedo bikini things – but I guess that was cool! I so admire the way family is soooo important. Italy and the Italians are great people and I’m blessed to have one to call my own
As I mentioned before my husband is there now and having the time of his like visiting family. Now I kind of wish I went along but I’ve allowed the crazy American living to get in my way! Next year!
Denise
Denise you are so funny. And lucky that you have this global view of people. I laughed out loud about the bikini speedo things. Christian felt the same way and then he got used to it. Cracks me up. I’m glad your husband is having a wonderful time in the Motherland. Thanks for sharing, as always.
Maureen-
On my 3 swings through various parts of Europe, I didn’t interact with children directly (if I don’t count the pickpocket I “met” in Rome), but I did come away with some wonderful memories of the people in general.
Some of the impressions we have (some Italian men being, well Italian men), are pretty close, but I was most gratified to witness that people are amazingly alike wherever you are. Where I think I gleaned a difference twixt here and there is a more cross generational family oriented style of living, and a refreshing ability to openly display emotions. They seem to have a healthier appreciation of life than we do, or at least they very openly demonstrate it. I think we are more stilted in our interactions, even with families.
I will share just one example. I attended the celebration of the 1200 anniversary of Garmish (Ger) and never saw so many families sitting all together, from grandparents on down to toddlers. They just exuded happiness and contentment. They laughed, they sang, they embraced, like nothing I’ve ever seen here in any community celebration. It was a warm summer evening, in a huge park under cloudless skies, with music, and laughter, and beer. Oh my God, can they ever drink beer (even saw some older children enjoying!). It was an evening I shall never forget.
Seeing this, I can understand how the children are as you and Christian found them….extensions of what they are living through their parents and grandparents.
Don