Hello everyone!

It’s only been a week but I feel like I’ve been here for months. I’ve already learned and experienced so much; I know that this decision was perfect for me.

Over the weekend, a group of us went to Florence and Viareggio, which are two places I know I will be going back to!

The food here is… amazing! Our meal plan gives us vouchers to use at a variety of restaurants and the staff is so friendly and helpful.

I was nervous about the language barrier, but we’ve already caught on to a couple words and phrases that help and the locals are helpful as well.

It feels like the scene from Inception where everyone is staring at you because you stand out, but most of the locals have been awaiting your arrival and are excited. I don’t know what exactly it is that makes Americans stand out, but we do.

What I’ve noticed about food here in Italy is that it’s more appreciated. Meals are slower and unlike America, courses are given out at different times than the person sitting next to you.

For example, I may get my first course first whereas someone sitting next to me will get their second first; everyone takes their time. Dinner in Italy is a way for families and friends to bond, so don’t be surprised if you’re sitting at dinner for three hours!

Also unlike America, coffee and espresso is served after dinner, not before. The shots of espresso (yes, shots of solely espresso; not added into your coffee) make you feel wired, so I’ll usually get espresso in the morning and a cappuccino or café latte in the evening.

It’s hard to put into words my experience, it’s more of a feeling then something that could be explained, but I’m so excited for what’s to come.

Observations made in Italy so far:
1. Interruptions aren’t considered rude, rather a compliment because someone’s paying attention to what you’re saying.
2. Don’t stab macaroni, or any food for that matter, with your fork.
3. Most mannequins have hair.
4. Espresso is given in shots, after every meal; not in your coffee.
5. Meals are slower; dinner can easily take four hours
6. Italians don’t eat meatballs in their pasta.
7. Electricity is valuable so there usually aren’t dryers and no more burning hot showers!
8. You don’t tip; instead you get taxed if you sit at a table. Most people will stand at the bar to drink their coffee in the morning.
9. You have to stamp your train tickets on your own before you get on the train.
10. Drinking is permitted outside. There are outside bars and beer tents and locals tend to stay outside hanging out until late on weekends.
11. Children go to school in the afternoon so it’s not unusual for children to be out with their parents at 12 a.m.

Until next week!
Ashley Arminio