6 Things I Learned From My First 6 Days in Italy
Buongiorno a tutti!
Italy is finally here! These few summer months have felt like the longest days of my life, but I am about to board my plane and spend the next semester in the Eternal City. Crazy, isn’t it? Since my last post, my nerves have definitely calmed, and as I sit here writing on the plane, it all feels so real to me. I will miss my family and a few tears were shed the days leading up to this; however, I can’t help but feel ready. I’m ready for a semester of self-discovery and most importantly, a semester of learning about the many cultures and customs that make up not only Italy, but the entirety of Europe.
Here are the 6 things I learned during my first 6 days in Italy:
1. Italian Men are a Bit Aggressive (But Also Very Nice!): Not in a physical sense, although, a few did grab me while saying “Ciao bionda” (Hi blonde). I’m not even naturally blonde, I dyed my hair a few days before leaving for Italy, which was my first mistake. They don’t see many blondes in Italy, so if you want attention, you know what to do. Anyways, when talking to Italian men, I noticed they like to be right up in your face, which I am pretty sure is a cultural thing. But, they will kiss your hand, touch your waist, be VERY affectionate. Thankfully, every guy I talked to was so kind, one even helped me with my Italian speaking skills! His name was Francesco, and he is a jazz pianist. Like, can you get anymore European than that? However, if you don’t like the attention, just pretend they aren’t there. Literally. Do not look at them, smile, nothing or they will take that as a sign to engage you. Just like in America, there are good guys and bad guys, so just be careful, but don’t be against going out your comfort zone and talking to them! Like I said, if you are trying to better your Italian like me, they SO appreciate it if you speak to them
2. Get Ready For The Heat: Okay, this could be just me because I get hot so easily. I’m a Fall type of girl, where it’s not to hot, not to cold. All you need is a light jacket. (Name the movie, people. Come on.) WELL, I do understand it’s still basically summer in Italy, but I was just not prepared for this type of heat. I didn’t bring nearly as many summer clothes as I should have. Expect to sweat. A lot. And to take a shower basically every day. With the hot days, however, come the beautiful beautiful nights with their cool breezes. They are truly wonderful. So, when packing, just take the time to research the place you are traveling and the temperatures that occur during the months you will be there.
3. Be Open to New Friends: I came into this whole experience knowing one person, whom I met freshman year of college. I never claimed to be a very outgoing person; on the contrary, I am very quiet and it takes me a little bit to open up around new people. I decided before embarking on this trip that I wasn’t going to let this shyness overtake me and prevent me from opening myself up towards others. Upon arrival, I noticed people traveled in maybe packs of 5 or 6, all of whom they knew before coming to Italy. And that’s fine, but I think it’s sad that people become so focused with those they know and shun anyone new who tries to engage them. During the first day alone, I have met so many people who have been so kind that I am glad that I came knowing so few people. I feel it would be a whole different experience had I come with a huge group of people. Not bashing the people that did that! Just saying, for me, this experience was so much more than partying with my friends every weekend. I have goals, one being to better myself and stepping out of my comfort zone whenever I can.
4. Eat Aperitivi. ALWAYS.: If you don’t know what aperitivi is, it’s basically consists of a cocktail, wine, any type of drink really, paired with a bunch of small appetizers. This usually happens around 7 and then after that, around 7:30-8, you go to dinner at a restaurant. This took some getting used to because in the USA, I eat dinner maybe at 5 because that’s usually when I get home from work. So, eating so late has really been a struggle. Restaurants aren’t even open before 7:30. So, instead of trying to find a way around, embrace it. The appetizers are SO good. We went to this place called Roma Beer Company in the district of San Saba, which is located in Rome. It’s completely authentic Italian food, despite the name. All you have to do is order a drink and then there was a buffet waiting for us inside full of different little snacks and goodies, emphasis on the GOOD. There was this little sandwich, honestly I don’t even know what it was, but it was the best thing I have ever had in my life. I will absolutely be going back there, and you should to! And all of this only cost 7.50 like wut. You don’t have to do this before every meal, but if you want to have a true Italian experience, I recommend going somewhere for aperitivi. You won’t regret it.
5. Keep a Journal: Each day is a new day, and with each new day comes a new memory. And if you are anything like me, I forget everything. Seriously. Even my friends know not to come to me for remembering things that happened in, say, high school because there is a 9 in 10 chance I won’t. Which is why it was such a blessing that I was given the opportunity to write this blog. However, there are some things I’d like to keep off the internet, so under my pillow at school, I keep a journal and each night, I jot down what happened that day, making sure to write down each detail so I won’t forget a single thing. This is truly a once in a lifetime chance and the memories I make now will be the things I will still be talking about and referencing for the next 50 years. Also, I want to be able to tell my parents, my friends back home, even my children one day the fun times I had while I was studying abroad. It can be a private journal, or if you don’t mind it being public, write a blog! It doesn’t matter how you decide to do it, but make sure you do!
6. Get Lost: Literally. We were able to sign up for a scavenger hunt through our school that took us to downtown Italy and to neighborhoods I would have never imagined finding or going to. With map in hand, we tried to navigate the streets, but each turn led us somewhere new and around each corner was another beautiful site to admire. Soon enough, we ditched the map and allowed ourselves to get lost. We ended up in Piazza Navona, with its huge fountains and busy nightlife. We ate gelato at a random place down a random street. We rode the buses that we weren’t even sure how to ride. We said “buona sera” (good evening) to those around us, and it truly felt that Rome was starting to become my home. Mind you, I wouldn’t recommend doing this alone. Make sure to have some friends with you, especially if you are out late at night like we were.
These were the 6 things I learned over the past 6 days! Orientation is over and school begins. I can’t say I’m too excited for classes because with class comes homework and tests and studying. Ew. But I have high hopes for the next few months, and I can’t wait to continue sharing my journey with you all!
Arrivederci i miei amici!
Clare