Immediately upon arrival in Rome, I was thrown full force into a whole new world. Before this experience, I had traveled outside of the United States only two times. On both of those short vacations, I was able to use my limited language skills and friendly personality to thrive in the environments that I was in. However, those stays were for a short period of time. I can not say the same about my trip to Rome. Three months is a long time; throughout this time I must integrate into society to thrive here in Italy. This means observing and learning every aspect of an Italian culture. From the very moment I stepped off the plane, I have been doing this in every experience thus far. Who knew Italian culture would be so different than American culture?
There are a few key things I have learned about Italian culture thus far. Caffeine is held very dearly by Italians, but it comes with a few rules. Rule #1: no cappuccino after breakfast time. Rule #2: you will pay a different price for coffee if you are sitting vs. standing. The most contrasting difference I have noticed is the lack of everyone’s favorite American concept: the line. Ordering coffee in Italy is nothing like our local Starbucks; a coffee bar is face- paced and extremely crowded, so you must be assertive. Another characteristic to Italian culture is their dinner traditions. Dinnertime in Italy does not begin until around 8PM. Not only does it start late, but it lasts for at least 2-3 hours. This is different to our traditional American 6PM dinner time. In Italy, it is rude for the waiter to bring the check to a table unless it is asked for. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way.
For the first time in my life I have felt what it is like to be a foreigner. I am the outsider here. People give me odd looks and make comments when I make a mistake. You can pick me out my the way I dress. I don’t look or act like I belong. It has put a lot in perspective for me. Foreigners come into the US all the time and are probably just as confused, maybe even more, as I am. Things we take for granted in every day life become difficult. Ordering a coffee, reading the train schedule, or simply going to the grocery store are a struggle. Life in the United States was easy and comfortable. Here, my comfort zone no longer exists. These next 2 months will teach me more than I could have ever learned at home and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.
Until next time, xo
GIRL VS. WORLD 