Did anyone else catch the doctor mentioning that the boy recently asked for a mojito?
It's a bit surprising that a 14 year old would ask for alcohol in a country where the drinking age is 18. But hey, it's Italy, perhaps there significantly more relaxed about kids drinking than Americans like me!
Yes, the relationship of italians with alcohol is significantly different than the one in english-speaking countries. Much more "sane" and relaxed, I'd dare to say.
Alcohol isn't a social problem and it's tolerated for young people to drink (or to smoke weed) despite not being yet 18 - at least in Milan.
Actually alcohol IS a social problem, but in a way smaller size than in countries who had Prohibition. Young americans, australians and brits usually once in Italian land set their desire to drink free, causing a lot of problems (personal multiple experiences).
I wonder, though, if it was alcohol that prompted him to jump in the water in the first place.
He wouldn't be the first drunk who decided to do something stupid. I recall a British tourist who died in Venice after thinking it was a good idea to take a swim in the lagoon a few years back.
Italian here, and yes Italy is way more relaxed about drinking than the USA. I can't speak for the whole country, but where I'm from underage drinking is not really considered a big deal. Frowned upon yes, but that's about it.
A mojito!? How dare that kid. Next thing we know, teenagers who return to life after death will be asking for a line of coke and a couple strippers. What is wrong with the world??
It's a bit surprising that a 14 year old would ask for alcohol in a country where the drinking age is 18. But hey, it's Italy, perhaps there significantly more relaxed about kids drinking than Americans like me!