I was then introduced
to Paolo, the maker of the best pizza I have found in Naples. The
price? 3 Euro per pizza --exactly half of what I was paying.
I can now get pizza for a family of four for around 12 Euro (appx. $16.00 US) I sure am glad that I know someone.
Since then I have been
sure to ask before I buy anything. Nine out of ten times I have been
introduced someone close to, or in, my neighbors family. This
has saved me much time and money. Of course it is a little less convenient
than I would like, however, I feel better doing business with people who
I know.
This is just one manifestation
of the strong, interdependent Italian family structure whose roots can
be traced back to ancient times. (more about the family in another article)
In a nutshell;
in America independence is emphasized and independence is required for
success, while in Italy, to be successful one must be able to depend on
family and friends.
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