Ciao da Roma!

It is day 3 of my Italian adventure and I think I am falling in love…with the city, that is. This place is truly something incredible and I feel so beyond lucky to have this opportunity.  Instead of talking about all the beautiful sights, ornate architecture, and heavenly food- wait, I have to talk about that all too but I’ll keep it brief- I’d like to point out some of the funny/peculiar things that have occurred since I arrived. I will also insert some pictures of the pretty places, because how can I not?

1. Italians are crazier drivers than southern Californians. Look left, look right, repeat… you think you’re clear to walk, but a vespa will almost always come out of no where.
2. If I’m by myself, Italians think I’m Italian too so they start speaking to me. I haven’t figured out the translation for “I don’t understand you” so my immediate response is a blank face stare…. (still working on my language skills, clearly)
3. Peanut butter does not exist in this country… 😦
4. The food lives up to the expectations. It’s delcious.
5. Gelato is better than ice cream. With all the walking, it is also all too easy to justify a gelato addiction.
6. Italian coffee shop culture consists of downing espresso in 4 seconds at the counter and walking directly out of the coffee shop. Italians don’t mess around.
7. The Italian law enforcement is absolutely terrifying.
8.  I broke the shower the first day I tried to use it (still not sure how that one happened, but it has since been fixed)
   
9. Garbage disposals and clothing dryers are completely obsolete; I don’t exactly appreciate this cultural difference yet.
10. Straight roads and level roads don’t exist either (cue getting lost all the time).
11. I have easily walked over 40 miles thus far.
12. …And despite the burning sensation in my feet, walking everywhere is incredibly convenient and fun.
13. People eat outside at restaurants along the cobblestone for dinner and it provides a vibrant sense of camaraderie throughout the city.
14. If you order “un bruschetta,” thinking that this means “one order of bruschetta,” you will receive a weird look and a single piece of bread with tomato atop.
15. Wine is often cheaper than water. I have yet to see a dinner table where wine is not present.
16. There are some palm trees in Rome which was highly unexpected.
17. Romans (and I assume all Italians) have city-wide quiet hours that they take incredibly seriously.
18. Rome is absolutely breathtaking and I can’t wait for the next 4 months!