I have officially been in Florence for a month now and time has never passed by quicker! I knew life would be different in a variety of ways when I moved to Italy, but I never realized how much I would have to adapt. I am not sure I would say I experienced culture shock, but I definitely have had to change many things I would normally do on a daily basis. Life here is a lot slower and laid back. Besides my personal choices of traveling on the weekends, I have lots of spare time to explore, hang out with my friends, and rest. School is a little different here, but the art classes don't differ too drastically from mine at home. As I travel from country to country each varies in multiple ways. Here are some of the major differences I have discovered:
I have learned that America is extremely convenient. From delivery food, 24 hour options, free bathrooms, wi-fi at all times, and easy access to places. I am in no way complaining, yet trying to adjust to my new lifestyle. There is much more I could write about, but these are just a few have noticed in my short time here so far! Heres to the next couple months and the many new adventures that will come with them!
Always,
Sam
- Pace of Life - Italians live life much slower than we do in the US. There is a siesta period where most stores and restaurants close in the afternoon for people to catch up on rest in the middle of the day. Though it is right when I have a break from class and wish I could grab food, I love how they leave time for themselves in their busy schedule.
- Food - I can fully understand why they call it Eataly. It is impossible to not eat constantly. Pasta, Gelato, Wine, Croissants, and more! As a lover pasta and cheese, I am I'm heaven. With that there are many differences that set the food apart from ours in the US. Small things such as water is not free and when you order it at a restaurant you are brought a cup with your own glass bottle of water. When you hear that wine is cheaper than water, it can be true at times. Things do not taste the same here as they do in the US. Sometimes better, but sometimes not as good. For instance, a crepe here is a thousand times better, with the exception of one from Arsagas. Pasta and parmesan are to die for. On the other hand, a kit kat is gross. There are many more things I could list, but those are a few.
- Service - When you go to eat out you are expected to take as much time as you want. Dinner here is eaten very late, around 8 or 9. That's normal for my family, but not everyone else. People stay as long as 3 hours to eat dinner and then do not go out until 12 or 1. As far as a check, you have to ask for it when you want to leave and they also do not split them up. Try paying a check for a few hundred dollars and 10+ girls that all have different types of payment.
- WiFi - I am usually not one to always be on my phone, but when I can only contact my family with Wifi I find myself trying to find it often. Thankfully I am one of few that have fantastic wifi in my apartment and am very grateful for that. I am able to skype and FaceTime my friends and family when I am home where others have to go to places to find Wifi. People here do not care about electronics as much, and while I am trying not to I feel the need to keep my family updated as much as possible.
- Boys - Eye contact is the trigger to everything. We were given a speech upon our arrival to not smile at boys unless we want to hang out with them. Apparently a smile is an invitation to everything. I have definitely met my fair share of creepy men, but there are also plenty that are nice and willing to help.
- Dogs - Everyone has dogs here and they bring them everywhere with them. To the grocery store, restaurants, shopping, everywhere. Unfortunately I am not a fan of small dogs and most here are tiny and scruffy. I saw husky last week and got so excited.
- Traffic - Italians drive like crazy people. I rode in a taxi to get to IKEA and feared for my life the whole time. I don't know if speed limits are a thing here, for I have yet to see a sign, but if there is no one follows them. They drive on the wrong side of the road if people don't move, scooters wind in-between other cars, and they run through stops and lights like no ones watching.
I have learned that America is extremely convenient. From delivery food, 24 hour options, free bathrooms, wi-fi at all times, and easy access to places. I am in no way complaining, yet trying to adjust to my new lifestyle. There is much more I could write about, but these are just a few have noticed in my short time here so far! Heres to the next couple months and the many new adventures that will come with them!
Always,
Sam