Italy-Spain

I love both countries, and I feel strongly connected to and rooted in both. However, going straight from one to the other, having spent a fair amount of time in the South of both, I could perceive some clear differences. Ahhh…those mind tricks labeled comparisons?

This is by no means a generalization of each country (although I will refer to “Spaniards” and “Italians” for practical purposes) either in space or in time; it is my specific experience of locals in two vacation towns of the South.

. Italians shout too much. Spaniards seem to have more control over their volumes, while still keeping their Latin vibe. Maybe they know respect better?

.Italians have a cigarette stuck to one hand and the telefonino (cell phone) stuck to the other (and yes, using it at a LOUD volume). Spaniards lack of both ‘sticky’ vices (maybe because cell phone calls are quite expensive in Spain, or at least more expensive than in Italia!).

. Italians carry themselves with that arrogance, what they confuse with charm. Spaniards can be charming in a lower-key way, and maybe more effective?

. Italians dress also with some arrogance, with questionable results. Spaniards are trendy and yet tasteful. They seem more grounded and less edgy than over-the-top Italians.

.Italians –even in a small seaside, vacation town- are always in a rush, over-excited, anxious, probably bitter if they take all too seriously. Spaniards are more down-to-earth; they seem to keep perspective which gives them that sense of calmer take on life. Maybe also having a reduced quota of espresso helps!

.Beaches are BEACHES! The Italian cliffs where you have to pay to get access to rocks and overcrowded space are in Spain endless sandy beaches, free to access, free to choose if lonely or crowded.

.Spain seems to have less pollution. As there are less motorinos (small bikes) on the streets -way less- streets are quieter and the air smells as it should in a beach town: the fresh aroma of sea!

.The permanent Italian harassment on the streets is replaced by a refined ‘hola” or ‘que guapa!’ or “oh la la!”. As there is no aggressiveness or nervous tension, one is less ‘on guard’ or ‘on the defensive mode”. The sheer flowery, candid compliments are then fully enjoyable and taken just at face value.