Fashion Faux pas
Although Americans do have certain trends that are popular in the States, many of these items are undesirable in the Italians’ eyes. The Romans always say that “you can HEAR an American coming from a mile away” due to our unsophisticated fascination for flip flops. Although they are the standard shoe for an American summer, Italians favor a stylish sneaker, boot, or a classy flat.
Some more examples include short shorts! NEVER - they are strictly for the beach. As for the cinema, the typical comfy sweats will leave you feeling extremely underdressed next to the fashionable Italians with their designer heels on a Sunday afternoon. Church-wear is more elegant, the Roman God does not accept anything above the knee or bare shoulders. You just might have to sport the plastic poncho that is handed out in front of most churches if you are more of the shoulder bearing type (which is relatively standard for an American summer). As you stroll through the streets, supermarkets, and stores, you will notice that the Italians are more dressed up than you are used to in the States. No one is wearing sweats in the supermarkets or slippers to class; most Italians will be wearing pants even in the summer heat and they always look like they are heading to some fabulous party. Because of what we are used to and the cultural differences, it is hard NOT to stand out as an American; we can only observe and take note to try and adjust ourselves to our surroundings in order to strive for “full immersion”. There will always be some things we may never understand, like why the Italians have to change all of their clothes and shoes when they are going to and from the “palestra” (gym)… but they just do.
Breakfast
Another cultural difference that might take some observance and patience in getting used to is the Italian breakfast. If you are an eggs and toast in the morning kind of person, you might have some difficulty getting that extra dose of protein in your diet these next few months , but I can assure you, if you approach it with an open-mind, you will want to have breakfast in Rome for the rest of your life. A typical Italian breakfast consists of a ‘cornetto’ (croissant) and cappuccino; the ‘cornetto’ comes with different fillings such as cream, nutella, honey, or ‘semplice’ (plain). If you get to a BAR early in the morning, the ‘cornetti’ will usually be warm and you will be next to a variety of working Italians each getting a different kind.
The Italian coffee culture is fascinating and if you are a coffee lover, this is the country for you. Local Italians are likely to make a couple stops at different bars throughout the day; in the morning, they usually start with a cappuccino and cornetto. If they stop at numerous bars before work or school, they will also get a caffé (shot of espresso). After lunch however, it is strictly caffé time; if you order a cappuccino, you can expect an “are you sure?” expression on the barista’s face. If it is just unbearable to have a shot of espresso without any milk/cream, it is often popular to order a “caffè macchiato” (a shot of espresso with a little milk).
The Pizza and the Pasta
As you will experience in eating at different restaurants around Rome, Italians pride themselves on their incredible and simple dishes. In the United States, most places have the idea of “the more the merrier.” When Italians go out to eat a pizza for dinner, you will notice that most of them order the “Pizza Margherita,” the plainest pizza on the menu! If there is an American in the restaurant, I wouldn’t be surprised if he/she is stuffing down a “Capricciosa,” a pizza with everything but the kitchen sink on top. Through observance and experience, you will learn that there are many differences in Italian food in the United States and Italian food in Italy. For example, local Italians do not eat meatballs in their pasta, but it is its own dish, chicken parmesan does not exist in the local restaurants, and they do not serve olive oil with their bread. It is hard to change your diet from what you are used to or from your expectations of Italian food, but in order to enjoy the incredible local cuisine that the eternal city has to offer, choose out of your usual comfort zone or expectations and order what the Italian sitting next to you is ordering.
Nightlife
Italians and Americans have different definitions of “fun” which is prevalent after the sun goes down. If you sit in Campo de Fiori for an aperitivo with friends you can easily pick out the Americans in the crowd, they are usually loud, drunk, and in big groups. The Universities in the U.S. have a great environment for this type of typical behavior however , you must realize that you are no longer “on campus.” This is one of the most prevalent differences in the two cultures through Italians’ eyes.
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” In the afternoon around 6 pm, young Italians meet their friends for an ‘aperitivo’ at a local bar where they get a drink and some free snacks before dinner. After dinner they usually meet up with their friends for a drink or two at a local bar. As for the weekends, the discotecas are open till the wee hours of the morning and usually followed by breakfast (cappuccino and cornetto). The Italian culture is big on socializing, so you will rarely see an Italian stumbling out of a club unable to speak a word because of his drunken stupor. These are usually foreigners and it is not perceived as “cute.”
