Our Friends at Home Abroad Are Throwing a Housewarming, So the Italian Neighbour Has Arrived

Casually dressed, suspiciously elegant, carrying a tray of lasagne, unsolicited opinions, and one essential question: where in the world are you building your life?

There are many things an Italian neighbour can be accused of being. Quiet is rarely one of them.

We may arrive casually, but somehow suspiciously elegant. We may say we are “just passing by”, while carrying enough food to feed a diplomatic delegation. We may bring lasagne, very strong opinions about coffee, and a level of emotional participation in your …