Abstract
This paper explains that, although modern Italy is changing, today it is still a country not only separated by customs and even regional dialects between South (i.e. South of Rome) and North, (i.e. Piedmont, Tuscany, etc.) but also the life styles in the many small and even remote villages and the large metropolitan areas are very different. The author points out that the country mice from Italy's small towns and villages have become more competitive and yet they still are far from becoming the so-called "sophisticates" of the big cities. The paper relates that the country mouse in today's Italy want to go to towns because, in the last two decades, Italy's economy has shifted sharply to industrial and services, which are located in the towns where more jobs are found.

From the Paper
" Of course, what the Town mouse didn't mention about the advantages of the city was, in case that city was Milan, the mice could be outfitted in the most stylish fashions by some of the world's most respected designers. Milan has overtaken Paris for much of both the high-priced end, Versacci, Armani, Gucci, but in Northern Italy is the world's most successful low- and mid-priced firm, Bennetton. Perhaps both mice could become a sort of "gray" example of the Colors of Bennetton, an advertising campaign that, if not everyone agrees with it, certainly has people talking. And, the country mouse can brag that Bennetton started, and is still located in a small town not too far from Venice."

Tags:milan, tuscany, bennetton, food, traditions