I was here first: Why don't people in some countries form neat, orderly lines? {Gadling}

Aug 21st 2008 11:44AM I've had this same problem in Italy, most places (with perhaps the exception of the grocery store) have masses instead of lines. It was quite offputting at first, but once you get used to it you can function quite well.
I asked my Italian friend about this phenomenon and he had some good insights, although even with those tips, I'd bet that a first-timer would still be a little surprised.
http://www.travellious.com/node/90