Photo Exhibit
Photo Exhibit
Vita di Paese by Marcello Mellino
As anywhere else in the world, also
in Italy today “il Natale,” this traditional and so very important Holiday
for our culture and our families, is
becoming
something
“different.”
Christmas
shopping
has
grown
in importance, so that we, too, have
to wonder about the real meaning of
Christmas. We get intensely involved
in trips to stores, markets and now
even malls. In fact, this is the more
unusual side of the new Italian lifestyle which I have recently noticed.
While visiting any major Italian city
such as Rome, one is often overwhelmed
by the elegance and splendor of the many
shops found downtown ( fig. # 1), where
the latest in fashion and household items
are incredibly displayed. This is truly an
art well-mastered by our shopkeepers!
However, primarily a reflection of
the ever present “ crisi,” the seemlingly
neverending financial turmoil in Italy,
only few Italians can afford the prices
of such stores. So they have become
the domain of wealthy tourists. Most
people will spend a lot of time windowshopping, but then look for discounted
similar items elsewhere…( fig. # 2). The
“mercatini” is where the real deals can be
found, but it is essential to argue with the
merchants about the inconsistent prices.
The “ venditori” have a very sharp eye for
the potential buyer, and can easily access
how easily taken you are, especially if you
are a foreigner. It is best to never be in a
hurry, and never be too interested in the
item! Many of these open markets occur
on the same day, at the same location.
With time, people get to know each
other well enough to establish a real connection. In most instances, the buying is
random and primarily triggered by the
merchandise available, consistent with
the latest moda, at the best possible price.
I have to admit that people-watching
at these places triggered my photographic interests along, of course, with
the items for sale ( fig. # 3-4). While
clothing remains the most common,
items for the house and for the kitchen
are always very popular ( fig. # 5), along
with more unusual gift items ( fig. #6).
On a recent trip, I was really surprised to find out that American-style
malls are now becoming a popular
shopping destination among Italians,
who are perhaps tired of their traditional venues, and as always are attracted
by the novelty. These malls are often
built out in the countryside, reachable by
regular bus lines, and typically offering
discounted merchandise as seen in our
outlet malls. Sometimes they even offer
top names in the retail industry ( fig. # 7)
Buon Natale to all of our readers.
Hoping that we will all survive the
2013 shopping season with renewed
energy
to
reach
the
New
Year
strong in the spirit and in the mind!
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Figure #2
Figure #6
Figure #5
Figure #3
Figure #7
Figure #4
Figure #1
LA GAZZETTA ITALIANA | DECEMBER 2013
LA GAZZETTA ITALIANA | DECEMBER 2013
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