USA vs. Italy vol. I

I thought this might be fun, as there is no lack of opportunity to compare how things are done in Italy vs. the states. Let's see how many "volumes" I end up with by the time I leave.

1. Hot chocolate...

is not the same here. Though, to be fair, I can't complain. In Italy, hot chocolate is not powder and water, or milk. It is literally, melted chocolate, thick and delicious and topped with whipped cream. It's a drink and a dessert all in one, taken to a whole new level. I think it may do more damage than gelato right now since the weather is still pretty chilly.

2. Coffee...

I know it's also in the beverage category and I don't drink coffee, but that's how important it is to mention.

There is no general coffee.

Caffe= espresso. Period.

Caffe Americano= watered down espresso (closest thing to American coffee)

Cappuccino= 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam

Macchiato= espresso with a drop or two of hot milk

the list goes on...forever.

The most important thing to remember if you come to Italy and you happen to be a Starbucks lover is you must forget everything you know. The fancy drink you're thinking of will get you stares from the person taking your order, or, worse, you don't get anything close to what you thought you were getting.

3. Entering Homes...Italians are almost like Vampires. Even if it's your best friend coming over, before entering they will ask permission.

4. Shopping carts...

Maybe this is just me. But, the first day with my host mom we went to the grocery store down the street and the carts that welcomed us were cute baskets maybe a little bigger than what we'd carry around on our arms back in the states.

But it was on wheels.

Long story short, it was incredible. And I hope if that exists in the US it spreads to everywhere by the time I get back.

It's also not uncommon to pay a Euro to use a cart and then have it returned when you put the cart back.

5. Personal Space...

Don't pretend like you don't enjoy your bubble of personal space that everyone is all for providing you as long as they get to keep their space in return. I know this one is a generalization but the idea of NO personal space goes beyond cramped trams and metros here in Italy. Public transportation is a big one, but I haven't been overwhelmed by much of a difference. It's crowded. No big deal. Beyond that people are very personable, you'll get a kiss on each cheek for hello's, someone you just met will hug you or grab your arm. All of these things I mean in a friendly way and if you're the kind of person that doesn't bother, than super! However, I know my fair share of personal space lovers and the best thing you can do if you ever came to Italy is to be direct about what you do and don't want. They may look at you funny for a moment but Italians love being direct. So don't be afraid to tell it to them straight.

#Italy #USA #UnitedStates #comparisons #Milan #food #coffee #home #shopping #space