New York Times today: Italy Beyond the Tourist Traps

I remember a book called The Italians by Luigi Barzini (1964) - great insightful read...[edit] for its day.

Quirite is right about the Barzini book being dated, especially in some attitudes, but in 1964, it was a pretty good reflection of social/popular culture.

Quirite, which one? The Hooper or the Barzini?

I read Barzini's a while back. I don't remember it well, but I really enjoyed "Italian Neighbors" by Tim Parks.

I haven't read either book but I'm puzzled by the term "tourist trap" in regards to Italy. The most-visited attractions are overwhelmed with tourists but surely that doesn't necessarily mean those fall into the "trap" category? Most of them are very old, very interesting, very beautiful or all of those things together. Over multiple trips, I think we've only fallen into one that I might apply that label to, and even that one had some archeological/historical value IF one looked beyond the bad presentation and dubious claims - not that I'd recommend it to anyone else.

I might agree than some are overrated but as those are largely free, no one is out any euros simply for a walk-by en route to something else?

Same for your comment about dress, Quirite: we didn't notice that Italians dressed all that "smartly" when not off to work or occasions calling for 'Sunday clothes.' I saw lots of jeans, t-shirts, sensible athletic-type shoes and other sorts of casual clothing on locals doing the sorts of things we all do during our free time - including sightseeing themselves. There may some differences where older versus younger generations are concerned but I'd say that's also true here in the States.

As always, I'll cheerfully bow to your excellent authority here so correct me if I'm wrong but those were our observations, anyway.

Hey Kathy, I just posted the article. Not my opinions, but those of John Hooper...and Quirite.

As to dress, when in public you will never see someone in sweat pants, for example, at a store. I certainly have seen that in the U.S. Coordination of one's outfit is prominent in even younger women, but I agree the guys are kind of letting it all go. Yes, athletic shoes are also common, but boy do the women wear some fabulous boots in the winter!

Laurel, I completely understood that you were just posting the article; it was the author's use of "tourist trap" that I was reacting to. Quirite's comments also had me thinking about all the myths and stereotypes that are out there for many countries, and how what once may have been true has evolved over time?

Agree about the sweatpants and fabulous boots: loved the knee-high footwear a lot of young ladies were wearing!