Across the pond, on this side of the world, we network in offices, pubs, and various social places to talk about business. In Italy, networking is about neighbors and families coming together, to sit at the doorsteps of someone’s home to enjoy a bit of time out from daily chores, not to engage in talks of business.
People meet outside their homes, in the street, or in a courtyard to talk about their problems, challenges, kids, life in general and gossip about someone they know is the practice of the day. Each person brings a chair, no need for an appointment, no need for a schedule, nothing is planned, and whoever shows up will be the support or the leader of the conversation at that moment.
Men, women and often kids show up at these daily meetings with the neighbors. Kids play with kids the usual soccer in the streets, chasing a ball from corner to corner, men talk to other men or play cards and women stay with the women. There is always an exchange of food and drinks, nothing complicated to prepare, local snacks, homemade focaccia bread, pretzels, olives, cheese, fruits and nuts, accompanied with wines or beer, just to keep the conversation going.
This is an ancestral society where everyone knows the rules and their own roles.
Doors in this part of the Mediterranean seem to be built the same way, they follow the orderly classic style of architecture, travertine arches, usually with a keystone in the center, pillars on both sides and heavy metal or wood doors with a horseshoe or lion head doorknocker.
When doors are not that great, courtyards, exterior stairs and balconies are made up cute and cozy. Courtyards attract tourists and visitors for their simple beauty. These are private little areas, where the locals living there meet to be social and of course help each other in case of need.
I am participating in the Thursday Door Challenge hosted by Dan Antion
Ciao,
Valentina
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Valentina Cirasola is an interior-fashion consultant, author of 6 published books, a storyteller, and a blogger of many years. Her books are non-fictional practical ideas to apply in the home, fashion, cooking and travel. Get a copy of her books here: Amazon and Barnes&Noble
Valentina Expressions 
May 10, 2022 @ 01:13:26
A beautiful description of Italy with amazing images 🙂
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May 10, 2022 @ 02:22:32
Thank you Debby, I just hope the people of Italy will prevail soon from under the dictatorship imposed on them.
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May 10, 2022 @ 14:38:15
Seems to be a global idea for leaders to become dictators. So frightening! 😦
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May 10, 2022 @ 16:09:47
I don’t know where the world is going at the moment. People all over the world are waking up and they will drive evil away, I am certain of that.
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May 08, 2022 @ 17:04:45
Hi Valentina, I love that door within a door and your last picture is exactly how I think of Italy. Fabulous.
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May 08, 2022 @ 22:47:52
In small country towns, life is exactly how I described it, in the cities…busyness takes over, but still, life in Italy is a bit different than other countries. Thanks for the visit.
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May 06, 2022 @ 17:40:17
Valentia – lovely photos of a beautiful tradition. May it never change!
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May 07, 2022 @ 00:22:07
Let’s hope not, it is so civilized to meet daily with neighbors and families. Thanks for the visit and your comment.
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May 07, 2022 @ 19:52:44
You are most welcome, I appreciate your work!
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May 05, 2022 @ 23:45:37
Valentina, what a joy to see your post, doors and history of people gathering to communicate about their lives, not business. That was my experience when I lived in Como and Milano in early 1970s. Miss that today. 📚 Christine
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May 06, 2022 @ 02:43:50
It is still the same way in Italy and I miss it so much. Thanks for your visit, Christine.
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May 05, 2022 @ 23:04:23
This is a wonderful post, Valentina. Doors never stand alone. They are a part of a wall, a home, a building, a courtyard. These are lovely scenes.
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May 05, 2022 @ 23:34:44
Thank you, Dan. I enjoy roaming around courtyards.
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