Padova Favorite Tips by mapakettle Top 5 Page for this destination

Doors open the WRONG way..or is it the 'Right' way

Fondest memory: Be aware, that in Italy, the doors to shops and restaurants open 'inward' as opposed to opening 'outwards' as we are used to in North America.

It certainly makes it easier to open the door for the fair sex as you are leaving a shop, but coming in poses a problem.

We've been here over a year, and still make the door slam and the windows shake when we attempt to open the door.

In North America it is a fire regulation which is strictly enforced, the reason is that doors should open 'outwards' in order to prevent a pile up at an exit in case of fire. Makes sense, whereas here, if the door were to open 'outward', it could strike the car that is parked on the sidewalk.

Each case has its merits.

A funny side of Italy...

Fondest memory: For a funny slant on Life in Italy, please click on to the following site. I have never laughed so loud or so long as I did watching this clip.

Please note I take no credit for the production, but I wish I had this talent.

http://www.infonegocio.com/xeron/bruno/italy.html

Warm, friendly people of Padova

Favorite thing: Basilica of St. Anthony...you can't wear shorts.

PLUS, the market squares:

Piazza Erbe for a selection of odds and ends, clothing, handbags, knick nacks etc., etc.
Piazza Frutta for the freshest assortment of fruits and vegetables, spices, and candy. If you're here in the fall, look for freshly roasted chestnuts, and buy the largest bag they offer, or you'll just have to backtrack to purchase more later. (wonderful hot)

Beneath the Palazzo della Ragione, you'll find two aisles of fish mongers, cheese venders, and delicatessens (salumerie). Fresh, fresh, fresh.

Fondest memory: The people. Padova has very nice, warm, and caring people. This is a generalization of course, but we have found that shopkeepers try very hard to accomodate, bus drivers always lend a hand when questions arise, and the customer service people at the train station are outstanding.

Italian people want to learn English, therefore will attempt to speak to you in English whenever possible. I am embarrassed when I compare my feeble linguistic skills to theirs.