Coming to Italy has been both amazing and shocking. Who knew you could get a 90 euro ticket (multa) for riding the bus without a ticket? Who knew you could buy student buss passes? Who knew that you pay for coffee after you drink it? Who knew that you have to bring a passport to attend a futball match (oh, and who knew people would make fun of you if you called it "soccer")? I sure didn't.
I have plenty of things to share. I've traveled Europe, nearly been mugged, had some interesting interview stories, and I've meet some really unique people. When it comes to my travels to Europe though, I want to cover some initial thoughts upon coming to the country. For starters, here are some of my favorite and least favorite things about Italy/Europe along with what I miss most about the United States. I'm going to update this list every month so I can see how my views have changed over the course of a year.
Favorite Things About Italy/Europe:
Try stracciatella, and every other flavor. The best gelato places aren't on the main streets by the way! Look for more hidden, stand-alone stores.2. Nutella and Chocolate
Nutella was invented in Italy, so obviously it's in everything. Hot chocolate? Made from real chocolate. What do you eat after an espresso? Chocolate of course. What do the children eat? Nutella.3. Espresso
I definitely didn't believe I would enjoy pure espresso, but part of you just feels so refined drinking an espresso out of such a petite cup.4. Piazzas and Palazzos
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| Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy |
Nothing is better than sitting in a cobblestone piazza, drinking a cappuccino, and discussing the latest with local Italians or local au pairs.5. Public Transportation
No car necessary, no having to worry about parking, or driving accidents. I can get anywhere I want to be in Europe by hopping on a train, metro, or bus.6. Architecture and Art
Yes, the buildings do all look like they're straight out of a French movie. Yes, I did get to go see exhibits featuring Raphael, Renoir, Degas and Monet. Yes, I can go see Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper whenever I want. Yes, I do consider myself lucky.7. Wine
Wine, wine, and more wine! The country is known for it, and you can drink it at any time of the day, in any park or street you desire!
Least Favorite Things About Italy/Europe:
1. Phone Plans
The people at the phone stores never tell you the complete contract. The websites are never in English so you never know what your contract includes (you may accidentally cancel your phone plan you already paid for when you're trying to locate your contract online, like I did). The phone plans always have exceptions to different operators. The phone plans never have unlimited internet so Pandora is out.2. Netflix
There is no Netflix in Italy. You have to change your routing country to the United States which I have yet to figure out how to do... good luck.3. The Food
It's so delicious that everyone gains a lot of weight. Don't fall into the trap. Yes, Sicilian food and Italian pizza and fresh salami will be unlike anything you've ever tasted before but it will make you fat if you eat an extra helping every meal.4. The Store Hours
I'm sorry, but i've never heard of a store closing because it's a Tuesday. Or fruit shops being closed on specific days. Or ALL stores/banks taking an hour to two hours off every day in the middle of the day for a lunch break. Or grocery stores closing at 7pm. The store hours here are so confusing that they're not even worth trying to learn.
5. Public Transportation
Waiting on busses. Bus strikes. Waiting for busses. Having to stand on a bus because all of the seats are taken. The weird people who get on busses (like gypsies who start fights and throw their babydolls at old women). Getting 90 euro multas for riding without a bus ticket. The fact that they don't run after 1am. Getting stuck behind the glacial-pace trams while you're riding the bus.6. Pedestrian Rights
You have none. Period. Don't even think about crossing the road on red- you WILL get run over. You probably should look before you cross on green too, or else you'll probably get run over. Speed limits? Those don't exist here either.7. Not Being Understood
Where are my English speakers at? You all know how I feel. People will look at you and start speaking to you in Italian and you will stare blankly because half of the time they talk so fast that you get lost in two seconds. It's exhilarating to be surrounded by a new language and culture for a while, but you better learn quickly because if you get lost you're SOL.8. Shipping Services
Your name must be on the package, and on the "ringer" (doorbell). Your full name. You must include the province and the city. Oh, and you absolutely have to be home when the mailman comes which is anywhere between noon and 8pm. If not, have fun going to the sorting center to pick up your package!
What I Miss About America:
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| Saw an American flag in Venice, Italy and I just couldn't resist! American- born and raised. |
1. Country Music
Dear Italians- country music is NOT Miley Cyrus (somebody actually told me it was).
2. My Friends
I miss laying around in pajamas and doing nothing but eating, drinking wine, and talking about absolutely nothing for hours on end. I miss talking to people without a time change. Need advice? People are just a phone call away with no five or six hour time difference. Bad day? Drive to your best friends house. It can get lonely having to wait half a day to talk to a close friend because they're on a completely different schedule and you can't afford international calls.
3. Having a Car
A car means independence, it means freedom. Not having one means relying on public transportation and it means significantly less freedom. I would give anything to have my car back.
4. Eating Healthy
As my current host mom told me last week, "eating healthy in Italy- it is impossible!" Salad comes with fresh mozzarella. Italians love their prosciutto (ham) and pizza. If you're drunk the only thing available is kebabs and pizza. Healthy eating includes a daily healthy serving of pasta. Bread is served at every meal. Grilled chicken doesn't seem to exist here, nor does fish. Nutella is a form of desert. Just join a gym and get used to it.
5. Convenience
Knowing things. Knowing where every store is and what roads to take. You can be 100% sure that the grocery store sells hygiene products and that Ulta sells Stila foundation, so you don't have to go to five different supermarkets to find shaving razors and three makeup stores only to give up and switch foundation brands. Target has everything, and stores are always open. Doctors are on call. Need workout clothing? You know exactly where to go.
Of course you learn, grow, and adjust over time. These, however, are just a few things that i'm constantly reminded of. Just food for thought. Of course Italy is nothing like the United States, but isn't that why i'm here?
A Dopo,
Morgan
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