Common Questions

Common Questions and Necessities On Your Trip to Italy

 Where is Il Fontanaro? And Where are villa Tartagli, Fonte Cicerum and Fontegirasole?

Please see this page: https://www.countryslowliving.com/directions/

Things to Bring:

1. Sunscreen – During the summer, touring around, you will be in the sun a lot, make sure you have some protection i.e. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
2. Adapter – Depending on where you come from, this is the most important item, you don’t want to be in the search of a power source when your phone dies
3. Map – A Basic map of the roads throughout your stay can help you if your phone dies, you have no connection, and for planning purpose
4. International Service – Make sure you talk to your cell service about their international calling, you don’t want to come home to a $1000 bill. International code to call in Italy is +39.
5. Carry on Clothes – You should bring a carry on with just one change of clothes, you never know if your luggage gets lost and you are stuck in Italy wearing the clothes your traveled with

Common Questions:

1. Do we need to tip when we go into a restaurant or in a taxi?
   Not necessary but very polite. There is already a gratuity charge involved with the bill, but you can tip if the service was good.
2. What is the easiest means of transportation through Italy?
   One of the best ways to travel long distances through Italy is their train system. But is a must to have a car when you travel around our village of Paciano.
3. How much should I bring on my trip to Italy?
   If you are staying at Il Fontanaro, you will have access to a laundry machine (no dryer, we have the sun) to wash your clothes.
4. Are clothes and food very expensive in Italy?
   Of course where there is high tourism, there are going to be high prices, but once you leave the big cities, the prices for meals will be reasonable. In Paciano, the price for a large pepperoni pizza is 7 euros (one of the best pizzas ever)!
5. Is Italy a child friendly place?
   Everyone in Italy loves children; they are accepted in restaurants and stores everywhere. As a young child at the age of 5 I was visiting Italy, hit my head and required stiches. The doctor was kind and fixed me up free of charge! Italian people are some of the kindest people you will ever meet!
6. Are the locals friendly?
   People in smaller towns are very accepting of tourist. As long as you are nice to them, they will be nice to you. It’s also good to try to learn a little Italian to be able to community

The Ways of Italy  

On your first visit to Italy, you may come across some culture differences. One of the biggest changes in traveling to the countryside is the Siesta. It’s a time during the day where everything shuts down. It usually is from 1-4 p.m. during the heat of the day. The Italian people do this for a time of rest. It is a time for rejuvenation because of the long night to come. Also, shops are closed in Umbria on Thursday, and evening of Monday night!

The hustle and bustle of the Western culture is only found in the big cities of Italy and rarely found in the country.

Small towns in the country take things slow, very slow. At restaurants, relax and spend an extra ten or fifteen minutes more. A waiter will never bring you your check with out asking for it! Along with the slow pace of dinner, nothing really starts to pick up until around 8:30-9 p.m. If you are used to having dinner at 6:00 than you may want to wait a little

for the true Italian experience with all the locals!

Though some restaurants start dinner at 7:00 for tourist.

Depending on the restaurant, they are usually very excepting of children and even dogs! Don’t be surprised if you see man’s best friend sitting next you. It’s a common occurrence to see!

Do we need to tip when we go into a restaurant or in a taxi?

Not necessary but very polite. There is already a gratuity charge involved with the bill, but you can tip if the service was good.

If you don’t speak any Italian, don’t worry, the towns people and waiters are patient and with signs and hand gestures, you will most likely get the answer that you are looking for!

Have a great time on your journey to Italy, each and every time I have visited Italy,

I have learned more and more. This country is an experience I will always remember! @JackPorter