Cultural Observations

Waiting for the bus or in line at the store or at a restaurant for food or even to order may take a long, long, long time. This waiting does not bother Italians, they are quite calm and reserved. They just know that when they go certain places, they will have to wait. There is no hurry in those places. The post office is another one, we waited 2 hours one day, later we found out that is normal.

People are expected to be to work on time and to school on time, but those are about the only places where it matters! About the only fast-moving things here are the cars and scooters when they are going on the streets, the language, and the time I've spent here (it has gone by WAY TOO fast!).

If an Italian has a very dark tan, it probably means they have been at the beach all day everyday, and still they are not dark enough, so they will continue to go to the beach everyday. :) It is not unusual to see topless women at the beach... I have heard though that the beaches here are more modest than Brasil... so take that and think what you like I guess!

The beaches are mostly made of rocks. There are some sandy beaches, but those are far away on a train that one has to pay extra to use. The beach is only crowded when there is no ground empty; with towels and chairs right next to each other over the whole beach.

Italians love to eat. Pasta of course is a staple here. Funny though, I have really not had any pasta with meat sauce or fettuccine alfredo (like we eat in America). Those must be American pastas! They enjoy being creative in their sauces. I have had lots of pesto, vegetables, cheese, cream, tomato sauces. All have been incredible!

Along with the love for food, much time is spent eating. Most shops are closed in the middle of the day til 2:30 or 3 in the afternoon so that everyone can eat lunch. There really doesn't seem to be any sort of schedule for the store hours, it will just be open when it is open.

In the store, when paying, I have to ask for a bag to carry my groceries in. Also, it is very common that the shop keeper/cashier will ask me for a smaller bill or coin so that he does not have to make as much change. There really is not much customer service, to us Americans, they probably come across as pretty lazy!

The overall attitude of the people is relaxed and somewhat cold. They are not accepting people of foreigners. They are relaxed because they are not pressed to be anywhere, but they are not accepting to outsiders of their culture.

There really doesn't seem to be much crime here. I have seen no accidents on the streets since I've been here and I have not heard or seen any crimes. The only thing we are ever warned about is pick-pockets.

I'm sure there is much more, but I thought these observations were fun to share for now! Also, this was a fun post for the 4th of July as I sit by myself in the apartment... Italians do not celebrate United State's Independence Day!! haha So here I am, thinking about what I've learned and maybe, just maybe there will be fireworks out on the water tonight that I can see from the window... hope everyone at home is doing well!

We leave for Rome on Monday, EARLY in the morning. We will be there til Tuesday night. I will try to post again after Rome. Our time is RAPIDLY ending. My heart is being pulled into this city and these people. I might have to leave it here and return with no heart to the states. I have to constantly remember that God's plan is bigger and better than mine and I cannot worry about the future. Right now is the important thing!

Let me know if you have any questions, I'd love to hear from you!