Coming back to the States after studying abroad in Italy has been an interesting adjustment. I wouldn’t say that I am having reverse culture shock, but I’m definitely noticing differences between my lifestyle in Italy versus that I'm continuing in the Bay Area. While some things in California are a relief, there are some annoying American habits that I didn’t notice until I lived in Italy.
1. Annoyingly attentive customer service
This didn’t bother me too much before I went abroad, but now I can’t stop noticing it! Waiters in America think they’re providing good customer service when they give me the bill while I’m still eating, or when they ask me for my order right when I sit down. But after living in Italy, I’ve realized that I want to enjoy my food in peace with the people I came with. I want to chat for as long as I please, take my time ordering, and eat at my own pace. So, I’d prefer to let you know when I’m ready to order or pay, rather than you preemptively asking and making me rush!
2. Free water??
Believe it or not, this was one of the best parts about coming back to the States. Italians don’t drink tap water, so I had to purchase it wherever I went. This was the most annoying at restaurants, since I would need to pay more for another bottle of water if I wanted a refill. Thankfully, California provides tap water for free almost anywhere you go, which is such a game-changer since I constantly drink water.
3. Driving everywhere
I can only speak for California, but the public transportation in most of this state is very limited. Most cities don’t have a metro/subway system, and the buses don’t run frequently enough to justify waiting 45 minutes to get somewhere that’s a 10 minute drive.
4. “Athleisure”
I used to be so into this before I studied in Milan, but now I find it strange when I try to wear work-out clothes to class. I would never see anyone wearing tennis shoes and leggings outside in Italy unless they were a tourist, as Italians generally dress well and take pride in their style. I don’t judge other people who do this, but I just find it odd on myself now.
5. Large portions
Why is everything in bulk? How am I expected to finish 3 pancakes that are each the size of my face? Why are large portions trendy in America?? I’d prefer to finish my food while enjoying it, not clear my plate while exploding.
6. Savory breakfast
Large breakfast with eggs and meats weren’t common options in Italy. Instead, people would enjoy a light breakfast consisting of a cappuccino and pastry, or an espresso and sweet biscuit. In America, we believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that we should eat the most during that time so we have energy to start our days. I definitely preferred to have a large savory breakfast before, but now I don’t crave those foods in the morning.
7. Everything about coffee
I used to go to a coffee shop every morning and drink my espresso at a standing bar, and then leave to continue the rest of my day. To-go cups aren’t popular in Italy, and the drinks aren’t large enough to sip on for the entire day. But in the States we have more of a “to-go” culture, where we get a large Starbucks in the morning that’ll last us from morning until the afternoon. I got used to downing a small espresso in the morning, and then going back for more during the day if I needed an extra boost. Going back to holding a coffee cup all day is strange, but I did kind of miss it since I can enjoy my beverage for longer periods of time.
Also, there’s a lot more “dessert” coffee drinks in the States that aren’t popular in Italy. Caramel macchiato, flavored lattes, and frappcuinos are rare to find in Italian coffee shops.
8. Going to frat parties instead of discotecas
Need I say more?
9. Sidewalks
I missed these so much. Sidewalks are extremely narrow in the European countries I visited, if existent at all. I can’t remember the amount of times I walked in the middle of a road (and almost got run over) because the sidewalk was too narrow for all pedestrians to walk on.
10. Following the cross-walk signs
I got way too used to jaywalking abroad, and in Northern California I realize that it’s not as common.
