L'Italo-Americano

tually every town and village throughout Italy. An online s e a r c h c a n p o i n t t o t h e options nearest your loca- tion. And have you ever been to an Italian hardware store? Oh the delights, including an array of home and kitchen d o o - d a d s t h a t w i l l b r i n g fond memories every time you use them. And don't for- get local grocery markets: be adventurous – try a distinct Italian toothpaste, stock up on spices, pasta, candy, and even pet treats (if they're all sealed) at much less cost t h a n t h e s t o r e f r o n t o f a n eye-catching tourist shop. That's not to allude that s h o p p i n g a l o n g t h e m a i n corso of any given popular Italian destination is a bad thing. Just be savvy: check labels, talk to shop owners, scrutinize quality. A finely made hand-painted piece of pottery will stand out from a m a s s - p r o d u c e d , f o r e i g n - made product and should bear the mark or signature of the artist or shop. Online searches are valuable for a little beforehand education on specific purchases in an area visited, such as Mura- n o ' s c o v e t e d ( a n d o f t e n counterfeited) glass works. S e e k o u t a r t i s a n s h o p s where products are made choice of favorite pizza or Italian wine; thus, none are bad choices! Yet, like selec- ting a cozy trattoria versus a plastic booth under golden arches, scrutinizing where purchases are made can pay off in quality and authenti- city. If a high-end purchase s u c h a s a P r a d a b a g or Armani sunglasses is on the list, main fashion drags such as Milan's Quadilate- ro d'Oro or Rome's Via del Corso should be calling your name. Avoid, however, the knockoff being hawked from a blanket. Not only is it of sad quality but if caught with something in hand, be prepared to fork over up to € 10,000 in fines. That fake F e n d i s u d d e n l y b e c o m e s painfully pricey – and you don't even get to keep it. Flea markets, often held in conjunction with festivals, offer a dizzying array of uni- que items, many small enou- g h t o e a s i l y t u c k i n y o u r b a c k p a c k . A n c i e n t c o i n s , trinkets, glassware, books, prints – the options are end- l e s s a n d g e n e r a l l y q u i t e affordable. Don't be afraid to haggle if the spirit moves you. Other wonderful ideas f o r f i n d i n g m e a n i n g f u l , memorable, and even practi- c a l i t e m s i n c l u d e l o c a l weekly markets held in vir- o n - s i t e , o f t e n i n v i e w o f s h o p p e r s . C o p p e r s m i t h s , alabaster carvers, wool wea- vers, mosaic artists, pain- t e r s , w o o d w o r k e r s , g l a s s blowers – taking a purchase home that you've seen come to life, the artisan's voice a part of your memory, is pri- celess. There's no shame in deci- ding to buy the neon green Leaning Tower statue or that apron of the well-endowed David if that brings joy. It's the memory, not the mass production – although many of the kitschier items are often made in Italy, as well… j u s t d o t h e r e s e a r c h a n d shop local as much as possi- ble. Endless words could be laid forth on what to seek in Italy's twenty regions. Each holds treasures of unique and wonderful customs, tra- d i t i o n s , f o o d , a n d w i n e … where to begin! Suffice to say, spend just a little time before your visit to know what truly is quintessential to that area, then have fun looking, tasting, shopping, a n d b u y i n g . E x p e r i e n c e s come and go, memories last a lifetime. "Nothing is ever really l o s t t o u s a s l o n g a s w e remember it." ~ L.M. Mont- gomery most merchants will happily a r r a n g e t o " s p e d i r e " ( t o ship) your treasures safely home. Once on the ground, the fun begins. Most seasoned shoppers know to not fall for the first item that woos the eye, which is certainly chal- lenging in any charming Ita- lian setting. However, other perfunctory guidelines will help make the experience devoid of stress, save for m a k i n g f i n a l c h o i c e s . Receipts are a serious mat- ter in Italy, and the lack of one could potentially lead to a hefty fine. It's the law to give and receive a receipt with any transaction. If a suavely dressed officer from the Guardia della Finan- za should ask to see yours, be able to produce it! While a bit odd by American stan- dards, this law is designed to foil tax cheats, effective or not. In my plethora of pur- c h a s e s i n I t a l y o v e r t h e years, this has yet to happen – but never say never! Con- sider, too, snapping photos of purchases before packing o r m a i l i n g t h e m h o m e . Should they mysteriously disappear or arrive in multi- ple pieces, filing a claim will be much easier. Preferred souvenirs and gifts vary as much as one's THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2023 www.italoamericano.org 18 L'Italo-Americano IMPRESA ITALIA MADE IN ITALY TOP BRANDS BUSINESS & ECONOMY S u m m e r m a y b e wrapping up, but tourist season in I t a l y r e m a i n s vibrant into the temperate months of fall. The languid heat of summer is fading while cooler temps c o a x p l u m p g r a p e s a n d rotund olives to prepare for harvest. Festivals are plenti- ful, as well, and offer touri- sts unique opportunities to first-hand experience local culture and cuisine. Who doesn't want to bring back a tangible memento of such special times, be it in fall, winter, spring, or summer? T o u r i s t s a n d s o u v e - nirs have been partners for as long as mankind has been mobile. Had this concept not existed, Italy might never have been introduced to the t o m a t o ! T r u e o r n o t , i t ' s human nature to cling to s w e e t e x p e r i e n c e s a n d memories through an object, whether tangible or edible. As markets have become globalized, the consumer game of buying souvenirs and gifts has become trickier than ever. Some really don't care where their purchase originated, but most seek out something authentic, something genuinely part of that special spot that stole their heart. How to avoid a counterfeit or something- less-than-local purchase? It's sort of a trick question as few regulations are in place to 100% guarantee authenti- city, but a savvy shopping protocol and a few tips can help increase the odds your p u r c h a s e i s r e a l - d e a l Italian. A good place to start is awareness of Customs and Border Patrol restric- tions. Nothing sadder than watching that slab of pro- sciutto and baby olive tree being carted off by an agent. A q u i c k p e r u s a l o f t h e g o v e r n m e n t w e b s i t e ( c b p . g o v ) h o l d s a l l t h e details one needs to know. Your airline's luggage weight l i m i t s a r e i m p o r t a n t t o know, too, but remember… PAULA REYNOLDS Small, kitschy but always loved: magnets are a favorite among tourists, but shouldn't we bring home something more meaningful from our vacation? (Photo: Radiokafka/Dreamstime) Bring Me Something! The savvy tourist's guide to authentic Italian souvenirs

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