I'm adjusting to Italian ways.

Another sign that Italians are in no hurry. It's the day after Christmas, and all of the stores are closed. In America, this is a big shopping day. All sorts of sales. Because Americans were born to shop. And they can't get back to ther shopping centers fast enough. There's such a thing as leisure life in Italy. It's built into the system. When the stores reopen, they'll assume the usual schedule. Of mostly closing around lunch time. For three or four hours. Because it's time for respite. Opening again late in the afternoon or early evening. Believe me. I'm adjusting to Italian ways. --Jim Broede