DRINKING

DRINKING & DRUGS
Drug use is illegal in Italy and is strictly forbidden while in Italy as a client of La Bella Vita Arts Workshops. The use of any illegal drugs, including pot, is grounds for expulsion from your La Bella Vita Arts program. Students over 18 will be asked to immediately vacate their lodgings. Students under 18 will be sent home at their parents expense. There will be no refund of tuition.

There is no drinking age in Italy. Italians drink more for the social experience than to get drunk. Public drunkenness is frowned upon.

DRINKING TIPS
Italians appreciate the taste of bitter -- amaro. There are many beautiful alcoholic beverages in the amaro category. Try them. These would include Campari (usually drunk before dinner with soda as a palette cleanser) and a whole series of after dinner amaros - dark and herbal - like Averna. The after dinner amaro is said to aid digestion. Campari is also a good tummy calmer and is a refreshing aperitivo in hot weather when mixed light with soda and ice.

Prosecco is a wonderful dry sparkling white wine that Italians drink as an aperitivo to cleanse the palette before (and sometimes during) a meal. Spumanti is sweet, usually drunk with dessert and frequently used for toasts (brindisi).

DRINKING WATER
Many places in Italy have the delightful feature of drinking water spigots scattered throughout town. The water is usually cold and delicious. In summer this is a great convenience as bottled water in tourist areas is pricey. If you put your finger over the end of the faucet, the water will shoot up through a hole and become a drinking fountain.

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