Termini Station, Rome 2012

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Termini Station, Rome 2012

May 13, 2012 by orvietoorbust

Stazione di Roma Termini 1957

Proper Bathroom Etiquette

I put my euro into the slot at the automatic gate and a high-pitched alarm sounded. The gate wouldn’t open so I started fiddling with the coin return button in an attempt to make the buzzing stop! Fifteen seconds of that ear-piercing noise brought out the bathroom attendant who shouted at me in Italian to move my bag. “Can’t you see that your suitcase is too close to the gate and that’s what’s causing the commotion?” he growled at me menacingly.

Big Fat Chicken

I’ve never been very good at confrontations; I get really nervous in tense situations, which usually renders me completely inarticulate. If someone is aggressive or mean to me I dummy-up, only to think of a pithy comeback later when it’s too late.

Parlo Italiano un po’

But something strange happens when I speak Italian: my personality changes and my communications become more direct and my tone tougher. Perhaps because my vocabulary is limited I don’t mince words. What finally comes out of my mouth is basic and instinctual. In Italian, I don’t pull any punches.

The change has come…

Without missing a beat or hesitating one millisecond, it came over me — a reaction as natural and spontaneous as I’ve ever had. “Eh, no, non ho capito perche’ il problema non e’ ovvio, SCUSA!” I yelled back at the attendant, adding the appropriate hand gestures for greater effect. He backed off. Maybe this place is rubbing off on me?

by Toni DeBella

Posted in Expat in Italy, Italy, Living in Italy, Orvieto, Rome, Travel | Tagged hand gestures, Rome, Speaking Italian, stazione di roma termini, Stazione Termini, Termini Station Rome, travel | 21 Comments

21 Responses

on May 13, 2012 at 8:07 am | Reply Martha Hubbard (@MeSaare)

Bravissima!
- on May 13, 2012 at 8:16 am | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Grazie Martha!!! t
on May 13, 2012 at 10:33 pm | Reply janinevasta

E vaaaaai Toni!!! Cosi’ si fa. Super brava!!! Haha I know exactly the facilities you are referring to too! The dreaded toll gate bathrooms. Very tricky… Well you got his measure. I can absolutely relate though. I was the same when I couldn’t get change from the western union at Fiumicino one time with a taxi driver waiting outside…Non avevo peli sulla lingua neppure io! Ti abbraccio. Jxx
- on May 14, 2012 at 5:49 am | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Janine…why am I not surprise that you are not a beat-around-the-bush kind of girl either? And the great thing about Italian is that if you can’t tell someone off in words, there is always the corresponding hand gesture – the universal language. Hugs.t
on May 14, 2012 at 4:27 am | Reply johna666

Oh Toni,good for you.But in my experience, if you “need” to go, go on the train!!, Or, a tip for every one, get off the train, walk on to the concourse and turn left and through the doors to outside, right in front of you is Mcdonalds,But don’t buy the food, not good for you!!. use there toilets though it’s quicker and less hastle, I can’t believe termini, so many people passing through and only one set of toilets!!!.
- on May 14, 2012 at 5:43 am | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Brian,
  Use the bathroom on the train? Are you mad??? Here is the thing about the paid toilets in Termini…they cost a euro but they are CLEAN!! I’ve been to the McDonald’s bathrooms but there is only one and the line can be long. Being a man you may have forgotten that women require more “contact” with the facilities and therefore have stricter requirements…I won’t say anymore than that. t
  - on May 14, 2012 at 5:59 am johna666
    
    Mmmmm, Ok Toni,I concede, I consider myself well and truly told off…sorry, I take back all I said…for the Ladies sakes…..”but” it’s OK for the guy’s whom are a little more remote from the situation!!. You have such a way with words!!!, you do make me laugh.B
on May 15, 2012 at 2:51 pm | Reply Michelle Bottalico

My first reaction was that they raised the price of the bathroom to a Euro!
My second was, I know exactly what you mean! I’ve also gotten “tougher” in Italy, defend myself more and have learned not to take “no” for an answer!
- on May 15, 2012 at 3:07 pm | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Michelle, Doesn’t it feel good to stand up for yourself and be strong! Italy has taught me a lot of things about being true to yourself. It has that effect – you too? Thanks for writing and reading my blog! Toni
  - on May 17, 2012 at 2:16 am Michelle Bottalico
    
    It’s had that effect on me too. Traveling around and having to interact with so many new people, in a new language and in new surroundings. Being independent and figuring out life here- it’s made a difference in how I see myself and others. I look forward to reading more of your posts!
on May 22, 2012 at 5:47 am | Reply Lisa | Renovating Italy

fantastic I can just picture your response and hand gesture to match!!!! What a great way to vent…in another language you can let go and say it how it is!! As we say in Australia…”give em heaps”
xxx
- on May 22, 2012 at 7:05 am | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  “give ’em heaps”…I like that…You Aussies always have a way with phrases. Love it. t
on May 24, 2012 at 11:21 am | Reply Cathy Powell

That’s great Toni. I love your response. I didn’t respond with such a reaction when we were there earlier this year. I had to take my daughter to the toilet, and we both entered on the one fee. Boy did the woman get irate. And I felt so small. But it does make you wonder, it is Termini station and I am not going to send my daughter to the toilet on her own, so why should I pay if I don’t need to use the bathroom!
- on May 24, 2012 at 11:39 am | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Ha! You are right! I guess you got flustered and forgot to use the appropriate hand signal in response! Next time! Hugs. toni
on June 3, 2012 at 5:42 pm | Reply jessabella

I love that you used the appropriate hand jesters..you know thats what matters. Ive heard that personalities change when speaking a second langue..Ill have to pay attention as I learn and see if it happens to me.
- on June 3, 2012 at 5:59 pm | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Jessabella (Love that, by the way). Without the hand gestures it really isn’t the Italian Language…In bocca al Lupo!. Hugs. Toni
on June 3, 2012 at 5:43 pm | Reply jessabella

I love that you use the appropriate hand gestures.. that’s what matters.
on June 5, 2012 at 6:15 pm | Reply Riki Schumacher

So glad I found your blog! I will be visiting Orvieto in early Oct., a quick visit between cities. I can see already, I need to go back. Riki
- on June 5, 2012 at 7:19 pm | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Hi Riki, I am glad you found it too! Thanks for writing and I hope you can spend at least the entire day in Orvieto- it is very special. Keep in touch and let me know how your visit went and also if you need any advice or recommendations, please feel free to ask. thanks again for dropping by. Toni
on June 5, 2012 at 6:20 pm | Reply Monique (@writenote1)

That made me laugh out loud!
- on June 5, 2012 at 7:15 pm | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Monique, At the time I wasn’t laughing, but right after it happened I knew it was a moment in time I wouldn’t forget. Thanks for reading and I am glad you had a good laugh. Hugs. toni