Evening star., 1952-09-08
Readers Clearing House
ITALY.
mrs. J. L. j., Washington

mrs. J. L. j., Washington
Recently some one requested
information on things to be
taken to Italy. the housing stu
alton, etc. Since we have just
spent almost four years there, I
feel that I might be of some
help.
AS for an automobile, I def
nitely would take one, for there
is so much to be seen in scenic
beauty in Italy and all parts of
Europe that are easily reached
by car. The trains and buses
are always so crowded that they
were a nuisance to us. InaSmuch
as you will be part of the mill
tary. you will be furnished gaso-
line at a nominal price.
If you want to take your elec-
trical appliances. then I would
do so. While their current is
usually 160, there are trans
formers available that will work
nicely. To Americans, toast,
waf1eS and percolated coffee
are part of every day, but al
most unheard of over there.
Their coffee is a very strong
dark concoction like a demi-
tasse. We grew to like it very
much, but it does not take the
place of our own kind.
Washing machines and re-
frlgeratorS are a must for they
are almost unheard of there.
The washers can be reWound
for their current for a small
price and they are really
blessing. All the laundry is
done by hand on rough stone.
and while you can easily find
maids willing to do it, it is
quite strain on your clothing.
Just a little note: If you want
to make some one very happy
you might take along a little
washing board. They are almost
extinct here now, but they are a
priced possession there. You
must be careful in selecting a
dry cleaner there for they are
quite expensive, and if you are
not extremely careful, they will
wash your woolen dresses.
skirts, etc. Too late l found out
and had to give away several
garments that had shrunk ter
ribly.
The housing there is not too
bad. understand you are 60
ing to Naples, and perhaps it is
a bit worse than some of the
other cities due to the terrible
bombingS it took. Some of the
houses are simply lovely, if you
are fortunate enough to obtain
one. The military authorities
usually keep a list of the more
desirable places that are avail
able. At least, that is the way
our organization did. You may
be forced to stay in a hotel for
some time until suitable place
is found. Do not expect to find
the modern conveniences or the
big super markets" as we have
here. While it is a novelty
shopping in their open markets
and little shops, it can become
quite a chore.
About clothing: I would ad-
wise taking sufficient for winter
and summer. It gets quite cold
and damp and if the houses are
heated, it usually isn't adequate;
at least not in the American
sense of the word. Most of the
homes there have no heat ex-
cept the charcoal buckets they
carry around in their hands.
Most of the clothing there is
handmade, so it is not as easy
as going into your favorite
stores and selecting something
Immediately.
However. some of the Italian
materials are simply beautiful
and they are most clever in sew
ing or any kind of handwork.
Many of the Americans do not
like the shoes there, so I would
take several pairs. especially
walking shoes that are comfort
able. You will want to do a lot
of sightseeing and that involves
a lot of walking. There are
many shoemakers who can turn
out some exquisite and original
designs, if you are interested.
If there is anything else you
would like to know about, I feel
that can answer it. We grew
to love Italy and all the nice
and quaint ways of it's life. You
may look forward to a very
pleasant tour of duty.