15 Things I Learned Living in Italy as an American
It has been six weeks since I landed in Roma to start my work exchange.
The vineyards owned by my host family
Side Note: For credibility, I would like to state that I have lived in the country side and visited several cities so my population sample is a wide variety and not limited to just one city as a generalization of Italians. However, I like to stress to people that it is hard to say that an entire country does one thing just because a few people do it. Just like the United States, they have a diverse country with different norms in every region.
The Language and Culture
1. Ciao is hello and goodbye and hanging up the phone means saying ciao ciao ciao until one or the other hangs up. This goes on for a good thirty seconds or until someone's battery dies.
2. Prego isn’t just you’re welcome. It’s after you, go ahead, how can I help you... I was so confused when on my first day here I entered a bar and the man said prego to me. I was like thanks I guess?? He really just wanted me to tell him what I wanted, like an invitation to order
3. Italian drivers are THE worst. There’s no rules or there certainly doesn’t seem to be. Need to pull out of the road your on? Just go ahead and squeeze yourself in and hope the person flying towards you breaks. Need to turn? Half wait in the middle of the road so cars behind you can swerve around you to get by. My German roommate even said the way they drive here would never happen in Germany so I don't think it's a European thing.
4. Vespas are super common. It seems like everyone has one. My host family has 3 in their garage that they don’t even use.
6. You will have bread for Every. Single. Meal. I think I eat 10 pieces of bread a day.
7. Which leads me to how many meals a day you eat.
Let’s list them shall we? There is:
breakfast
second breakfast
lunch that lasts 2 hours
snack
and finally dinner
That's 5 meals a day, all of which will have some type of carb like pasta and/or bread.
8. And for “breakfast”, well I hope you have a sweet tooth because normal breakfasts include biscottis or cookies, cannoli, and any other sweet you can think of
9. American coffee is a joke to Italians. It’s so strong here you can take one shot and it’s equivalent to 2 cups of American coffee. Honestly more efficient and possibly healthier?
11. They always sound like they’re arguing too. The Italian language stresses every letter in a word which makes their voice fluctuate when speaking. Half the time I can’t tell if they’re talking about the weather or telling you to eff off. I’ve been told Americans have a “boring and flat voice” as well.
12. Most Italians speak English. Or at least know the basics. This is true especially with the younger generations as they’re taught English in school from a young age.
13. They’re some of the hardest working, lazy people I’ve ever met. They’ll work a 10 hour day but you better believe after that 2 hour lunch comes a 30 plus minute nap.
14. Italians are some of the most hospitable people I’ve ever met. Strangers, friends, it doesn’t matter everyone wants to invite you into their home and feed you. My host family has probably three nights or more a week where they are eating at a friends house, celebrating some event or just inviting people over for dinner.
15. Italy is one of the most beautiful places in the world with the dirtiest cities. Some cities are worse than others (ie: Rome is pretty bad while Florence is actually pretty clean) but they just don’t have city clean up or maintenance like they should. However, the views are INCREDIBLE and that is exactly what I am here for.
Put Italy at the top of your must see list because I promise you won't be disappointed. Whether it is food, wine or views you're looking for, Italy has it all! While you're here let me know if you can spot my observations as well!
Don't forget to follow my Instagram: @KaseyMeetsWorld for more pictures of my travels!
3. Italian drivers are THE worst. There’s no rules or there certainly doesn’t seem to be. Need to pull out of the road your on? Just go ahead and squeeze yourself in and hope the person flying towards you breaks. Need to turn? Half wait in the middle of the road so cars behind you can swerve around you to get by. My German roommate even said the way they drive here would never happen in Germany so I don't think it's a European thing.
4. Vespas are super common. It seems like everyone has one. My host family has 3 in their garage that they don’t even use.
My roommate Lydia trusting me with her vespa
The Food
5. Tomatoes and mozzarella in olive oil is a salad in Italy and I’m not mad about it one bit. I think I’ve had tomatoes every day since being here. My host family has a garden so they’re fresh too😋6. You will have bread for Every. Single. Meal. I think I eat 10 pieces of bread a day.
7. Which leads me to how many meals a day you eat.
Let’s list them shall we? There is:
breakfast
second breakfast
lunch that lasts 2 hours
snack
and finally dinner
That's 5 meals a day, all of which will have some type of carb like pasta and/or bread.
9. American coffee is a joke to Italians. It’s so strong here you can take one shot and it’s equivalent to 2 cups of American coffee. Honestly more efficient and possibly healthier?
My cannoli for breakfast
Neapolitan pizza in Sorrento
A sample of meats with bread and fresh mozzarella
Spaghetti con pomodoro
The People
10. The stereotype about using hands to talk is SO true. Typically used during anger or annoyance, sometimes even just passionate talking they get up close and personal with lots of shaking of the hands.11. They always sound like they’re arguing too. The Italian language stresses every letter in a word which makes their voice fluctuate when speaking. Half the time I can’t tell if they’re talking about the weather or telling you to eff off. I’ve been told Americans have a “boring and flat voice” as well.
12. Most Italians speak English. Or at least know the basics. This is true especially with the younger generations as they’re taught English in school from a young age.
13. They’re some of the hardest working, lazy people I’ve ever met. They’ll work a 10 hour day but you better believe after that 2 hour lunch comes a 30 plus minute nap.
14. Italians are some of the most hospitable people I’ve ever met. Strangers, friends, it doesn’t matter everyone wants to invite you into their home and feed you. My host family has probably three nights or more a week where they are eating at a friends house, celebrating some event or just inviting people over for dinner.
15. Italy is one of the most beautiful places in the world with the dirtiest cities. Some cities are worse than others (ie: Rome is pretty bad while Florence is actually pretty clean) but they just don’t have city clean up or maintenance like they should. However, the views are INCREDIBLE and that is exactly what I am here for.
Stopping to eat second breakfast after a few hours of picking grapes
Nonna Maria made tiramisu for Lydia's last day
"Matteo, can I take a picture of you for my blog?"
Views like this are everywhere you go in Italy. Bagnoregio is only 20 minutes from where I am staying
Put Italy at the top of your must see list because I promise you won't be disappointed. Whether it is food, wine or views you're looking for, Italy has it all! While you're here let me know if you can spot my observations as well!
Don't forget to follow my Instagram: @KaseyMeetsWorld for more pictures of my travels!
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