melissa grace kreider

     There are always the obvious cultural differences that I have to deal with on a day to day basis. I mean, there's a bidet in my bathroom and the key to my apartment looks like something out of Kingdom Hearts.

         Little things that make all the difference in fitting in as a local are what have my head spinning. For example, Cappuccinos are never drunk after lunch or dinner. Never. In fact, it's frowned upon. A Caffé Marocchino, Caffé Latte, or Caffé Macchiato are for morning. Caffé  Freddo and Granita di Caffé con Panna (iced coffee with whipped cream, only more like a slushie) are for the afternoons. Finally, Caffé Coretto and just plain Caffé are only drunk after dinner.

      There are so many coffee combinations I go for the gold and typically order a plain espresso. I'm a lady who loves her caffeine, so this is perfectly fine for me. For the day when I decide to order something different, though, I better have this memorized.

     Italians take their coffee very seriously. Check it.

     You can say hello/goodbye four different ways (Buongiorno, Ciao, Buonasera, Arrivederci) depending on the time of day or relationship with whom you are speaking. Gum-chewing or eating while walking on the street is unacceptable (gelato is the only exception!), and one must be careful how they move their hands. In Italy, there is a long list of gestures that mean all something; it could be something offensive unless you're careful!

     Regarding the language, it's getting frustrating not to be able to talk to people on the street, cashiers, etc. Back home, I found joy in having small snippets of conversation with people I encountered throughout my day and here I just can't do that yet. I plan on cracking down on my Italian tenfold! I want to speak! 

     Other than those small things, as long as you are polite, respectful and openminded, you'll fit into a foreign country just fine. 

Ciao for now!

-m.