Correct ExXB. Had I not have been to Italy I would not have believed it. One evening was waiting for an EZY back to LTN from FCO and all pax were milling around the gate due to a slight delay in boarding. The second the announcement was made there was a stampede to the front as if no one had tickets and only the first five would be allowed on board. I was pushed and squashed forward by the crowd.
Once airborne, I would have liked to ask the Italians, "Did you get on any quicker? "Did the flight get delayed by the pushing and shoving at the gate?"
Next year I have to go to Tuscany for a wedding. I had thought about driving but then realised that would have left me driving in Italy (and they REALLY drive in their own world
) so I have been thinking about taking the train. But all roads lead to Rome and that beautiful country is full of Romulans ...
I would not expect Italians to behave differently when overseas anymore than I would expect other nationalities to change their fundamental approach to life.