As a foreigner who has travelled to Italy often, I always wondered if the courtesy I experienced in shops and restaurants was to be expected in areas not so typically touristy.  Some of my Italian friends have told me no, but I beg to differ.

In a butcher shop in Tuscany, I inadvertently left some reading glasses on the counter.  Returning for them a day later, I found them well taken care of, in a small sack, waiting for me.

In Venice, we had left a small camera on the counter of a food cart.  Returning an hour later, the proprietor had set it aside, waiting for us.

On a one-day stopover in Tortona, a small town in northwest Italy, I found myself two weeks overdue for a haircut.  I picked one randomly from the two available.  After the barber’s completion, my having enjoyed the unintelligible conversations of the waiting clients, I got up to leave.  “Aspetta. Grazie, un omaggio.” (Wait. Thank you, a gift.) He presented me a pen.  It was not something of great value, but it was a kindness to a stranger passing through, probably never to return.

My most incredible example occurred in Piedmont.  Our car was running on fumes.  We stopped for gas at a self-service station.  The automated pump eagerly ingested my last €10 bill in exchange for nary a drop of petrol but, heaven sent, a receipt.  It was Sunday so no attendant was present.  I asked a fellow refueler for help.  He said, “Take my €10 and go to the other pump.  Give me your receipt and I will get the money back tomorrow when they are open.”

I can’t believe my experience was any different from the next person’s.  Of course, there are rude, impatient, dishonest people everywhere.  My experiences have shown me an Italy full of kindness, honesty and sincerity.  And they are ever seeking ways to gather in groups, be they elderly or with their kids.