We have been in Italy a little less than 4 weeks now and there are a number of things we have noticed which the Italians do a little differently than done in the US. Not that they are wrong, just different.
Signs, signs, everywhere signs. But no need to really follow the instructions on the signs. No Parking, Speed Limit, you name it. It seems the signs are viewed as suggestions, not actual rules that must be followed.
EXCEPT and UNLESS that sign says No Parking during Market days as evidenced by my ticket and charges below. Polizia charged me 28€ for the fine and 50€ to get my car out of the city impound lot. And it was so nice of the impound lot to say "Thank you and goodbye" on the receipt. And the nice Polizia DID give us a ride to the impound lot.
Take a Walk on the Passeggiata Side. Every evening BEFORE dinner, which is most often after 7PM, many locals go for a walk with the family. It is a slow leisurely stroll through town, it is a time to see and be seen and to have a little conversation with your neighbors.
Don't Be Shy. As a man, you cannot let a woman in your public bathroom intimidate you. As I entered this bathroom in Perugia Sant'Anna train station two women came in with me to clean. Also, don't be afraid to pee or poop into an open hole in the floor of the bathroom. It is so nice that they provide foot stands so you don't "mess" your shoes.
Don't RUSH me. Everything you have heard about long meals in Italian restaurants is true. As there is no tipping required they never rush you to pay the tab and leave so they can "turn tables." In addition, waiters and waitresses do not hover around you and instead tend to leave you to your dining partner. Letting the diners ask for the check.
No grocery carts ROLLING around the parking lot banging into cars because the previous user was TOO LAZY to put it in the corral. And that is because you deposit 1€ which releases 1 cart. To get the 1€ back you simply return the cart to the corral.
Don't TOUCH my apples or fuel pump handle. Or any other fruits or vegetables unless you have a cellophane glove on. Nope, don't even think about it. The stores provide the gloves next to the plastic bags. And then the gas stations also offer gloves. Which is nice so you can get back in the car not smelling of fuel.
Hook, line, and sinker. Right outside our apartment there was a fishing competition with EVERY man wearing his teams colors. Strangest fishing I have ever seen. They used rods at least 25' in length with no reels. They would put the hook with bait in the water and then with a sling shot shoot some more bait out to the line in the water. Must have been 40 men lining the banks of the Tiber.
GO HOME. In the smaller towns businesses close for a long extended lunch. Most everyone goes home for lunch and to relax for a couple of hours, typically closing at about 1PM and reopening at 3 or 4PM and remaining open until 7 or 8PM.. To a foreigner at first this is a bit of an inconvenience but after a short time you acclimatize and know you have to get your shopping done in the morning or early evening.