Did you know? In Italy windows open inwards (as opposed to the Uk and Ireland where they open out). This allows easy cleaning and maintenance, whereas the UK window-cleaning industry would be decimated if they started building houses with that feature!

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This page will describe how to use language in hidden Italy, telling you your 'Ciao' from your 'Salve' and providing tips and advice on formal and informal greeting and address. You need to remember that while Italians are warm, friendly people, they do have a code of address which they expect foreigners to respect. You should not address a stranger with the cheery, familiar "Ciao" [hello] since this assumes familiarity - you normally let the other person say "Ciao" to you before using it! The following pages give some more useful and practical advice on simple Italian.