After spending the past two weeks living with an Italian family in Italy, I have noticed how different Italian culture is when compared to that in the US. Almost every part of daily life is different, no matter how small the difference is. I have this compiled a list of a few of the most apparent differences. These are by no means the only differences.
1. Everything is smaller
You're served a shot of espresso instead of a cup of coffee. Toilets look like they belong in preschools. Meals are about half the size. Most cars for 4 people maximum. Two way streets fit one car.
2. People are much more touchy
Most of the time this is affectionate touch: a kiss on the cheek to greet a close friend, two kisses for those you just meet, and constant hugging and hand-holding. Sometimes, however, this is negative touching: brawls and slaps are not uncommon.
3. The eating schedule is shifted
A small lunch of cookies or toast when you first wake up, a large lunch at three PM and finally a multi course dinner at nine.
4. Everything is formal
Every meal has six pieces of cutlery. Lunch by the pool must be eaten fully clothed. Going out to the store means wearing something other than a sweatshirt. Dinner out means wearing a dress.
5. Water at restaurants costs money
When you sit down for a meal you typically have to order water and you are given a bottle.
6. Snack food is actual food
Rather than chips and salsa you're served focaccia. Instead of pretzels you're given cheese and meat. Very little is preserved or served in a little silver bags.
7. Everyone speaks English even though it's not their first language
In the U.S., fewer people speak something other than English. In Italy, almost everyone I met speaks at least beginner English.
8. Emotions run higher
People are angrier more and more intensely. Neck veins pop out when people yell and voices go horse from yelling. However, this goes both ways and within minutes Italians can be more affectionate and warm than Americans typically are.
9. Everyone knows everyone and everyone hangs out all of the time
Anywhere Italians go, they recognize someone. Maybe it's a family friend, a schoolmate or someone that he met on the beach, but it's always someone. Additionally, every day is spent on the company of others. Mornings are spent on the beach with friends from the night before, afternoons are spent with friends in coffee shops, and nights are spent together in clubs.
10. The food is like nothing you can find in the U.S.
Unlike the US, there is very little ethnic food available in Italy. However, each region has a food that it's known for, and let me tell you, all of the food is unreal. Mozzarella is made of buffalo milk and stored in the milk instead of cow's milk and oil. The pesto is creamy and not grainy. Pasta is homemade, not from a box. Overall, the food is fresher. Vegetables are picked from the garden and jams and sauces are made day of and at home.
