hello my friend

In Bangladesh July I moved to Living in Russia, it seemed to me that foreigners are some special people, very different from us. They look good, well-groomed, travel a lot, especially when retired, are long-lived, relaxed, don't rush anywhere, always smiling.

That's pretty much how it is. I live among Italians, and I see they are really friendly. They say hello if you pass by, even if they don't know you, and smile back if you smile at them. They can talk-a sort of small talk. They're comfortable, you don't expect discomfort or unpleasantness from them. You don't have to be on your "guard" and look around so someone doesn't hurt you. You can walk quietly along the low-crowded paths without expecting bullies.

We live in a bedroom community, so in 5 years I have heard no one sing songs under the window at night. They respect the peace and sleep of the residents. I like that very much.

But here's the thing. In the center, they always post "manifestos" about the dead on enormous billboards. And everyone passing by is sure to stop and read. So does my husband. I ask, what is this interest in someone else's death? It turns out they always go to the deceased to give the last salute if the person is familiar to them.

I met a neighbor of mine, and she complained to me: "I can't go to funerals anymore. I'm in a foul mood, always thinking about the deceased." I tell her not to go if you don't want to. She says relatives of the deceased may be offended. I have to go. She has lived in the area for a long time. She knows everyone. Old people die and you have to give everyone a last bow.

Today my husband's daughter calls and is indignant, what Piedmontese people are closed. They do not let anyone into their souls. And the thing is, an old lady died in her mother-in-law's house. They used to always say hello, talk to each other. Only yesterday they found out by chance that the senora had been dead for a month. And it upset our Serena, why didn't the relatives even notify the neighbors?

I listen to her and think, why? It is useless to ask, she just won't understand me. Maybe the relatives of this senora didn't want to share their grief? They wanted to be in silence and allow the soul to rest in peace.

I'm not a fan of going to funerals. But the Italians please, it's okay for them.

That's how you can explain this. What do you think?