Is Rome going multicutural?

Read this very interesting piece on the NYT..... What do you think?
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/03/world/europe/03rome.html?scp=2&sq=pasolini&st=cse

Meeting Italian men in Rome!

When I talk to female expats, the question I am asked the most is how they should deal with Italian men.

First and foremost a comment on "cultural" posts:  I am aware that I may be generalizing but what I’d like to do is identify behavioral trends. By no means do I mean to speak of "everyone".

Quick facts:


- When it comes to dating non-Italian women (particularly Americans), Italian men often think that they are expected to behave like a macho don Giovanni (whether or not they are) and will exaggerate behavior.

·     - Foreigners do not form part of the Italian social fabric and are therefore unfamiliar with social subtleties and restrictions.

·     - Italians usually meet through mutual friends; they do not engage in random conversations and don’t exchange phone numbers with strangers!  A foreign woman is regarded as "easy" when she gives out her telephone number.

·    - Compared to other countries, Italians do not drink much; most importantly being drunk is considered vulgar.... especially intoxicated women....

·     - Stereotypes don’t die easily, i.e. non-Italian women, especially from Northern Europe or the United States, are considered - and treated as - "easy" by many men.

·     - Italians seem to judge by the cover! If you are wearing what may be considered inappropriate clothing, then you may also be judged the same way! Get inspired by what Italians wear before you choose your attire.

·     - If you are just visiting or haven't been in Italy for a very long time, keep in mind that you are NOT in the position to smell out trouble. Dealing with Italian men can be a real challenge since you may not speak the language proficiently enough or at all, you don't yet know your way around, and you still can’t read between the lines of people's behavior.

Do I mean to say that you shouldn't have fun while in Rome? Of course not, but you need to be aware of cultural nuances and safety issues so that you can spare yourself of painful experience!

Surviving Italian red-tape: codice fiscale!

Italian codice fiscale is a based on your personal information such as your name, date of birth, gender and other data and is required for essential things such such as opening a bank account, signing a job contract or having access to the Italian healthcare system. There is no escaping to obtaining one if you plan to have a life in Italy!

There are many web sites that figure out your codice fiscale.

Although that information is certainly correct - remember that figures are based on your personal information?- you need to be very careful with how you use your "home-made" codice fiscale. 

The ONLY organization allowed to issue a codice fiscale is the Italian government, and specifically the agency responsible for tax collection, agenzia delle entrate (not any of the web sites you will find online). The point of a codice fiscale is that the government wants to keep track of everything you do for tax purposes.

Please check the link below for a comprehensive list of all offices in Italy that issue a codice fiscale and you must go yourself!

http://www1.agenziaentrate.it/indirizzi/agenzia/uffici_locali/index.htm

Go prepared! Non-Italians must present their passport and their permesso di soggiorno in order to apply for a codice fiscale.

This is what I used to watch when I would miss Rome!

Roma in vespa.... grazie Moretti!

Would you like to be an au pair in Rome?

There is always a great demand for native English speaking au pair girls in Rome.

 

If  you are not European, you will need a working permit, permesso di soggiorno. In order to have one, you need to be enrolled in an Italian language school.

 

Below are a couple of Rome-based agencies that help girls find a family:

www.romaaupair.com

www.agenziastellacadente.it

Alternatively, you may want to contact English language schools in Rome directly (www.romeschools.org)

International schools in Rome

Looking for scholls in English in Rome? This web site includes a comprehensive list of all international schools in Rome:
www.romeschools.org