Yesterday was a day of comical culture shocks for me.

I began the day perusing local markets with a friend in search of some yummy local food. Turns out what we thought would be a food market was only full of artisan crafts and local goodies. It was fun to look through the long stretch of flea-market style tables, but I tried not to fixate on any items too long as I am saving my money for other travels.

After walking for miles and losing track of time, we went to a smoothie shop where the owners spoke only Italian. The cashier was attempting to engage in some sort of conversation and with hesitation and complete lack of any Italian words other than the absolute basics, I blurted: “oh, uh Americano.” First off, why I have yet to commit phrases like “I am American” or “I don’t know much Italian” or “I don’t understand” to memory yet is beyond me. Nevertheless, the cashier laughed. But he was definitely laughing at me not with me.

Turns out, in Italian, Americano is only the drink- vermouth, brandy and lemon peel. Good going Jen!

By the time we finally made it to the grocery store around 1:30, it was closed. Yes, Italians close everything for three hours in the middle of the day for God knows what (probably naps).

Anyways, after hanging my laundry up to dry (ugh… still hate the sans-dryer culture) and passing time for the next 3 hours, we went back to the grocery store- which was both a fun and terrifying experience.

Italian grocery carts are nothing like those of American supermarkets. Their carts are the size of our “baskets,” while rolling low to the ground, attached to a long, flimsy handle. I suppose this is why Italians have better portion control and are typically in better shape than Americans. Nonetheless, I filled up my cart with some healthy goodies. I was even able to put my Italian phrase book to use as I asked a store worker to locate the salad dressing for me (would have been nice to have that during my smooth “Americano” incident).

I researched a lot before I arrived here and I knew a few quirks of grocery procedures before my shopping experience. I knew that I had to weigh my own fruit and I also knew that I should bring my own bags because they otherwise charge for bags.

What I did not know, however, was that I would have to fill my own bags at checkout (at the speed of light, I might add), I wouldn’t have enough bags, and I would buy way too many things to which I would have to walk a mile home, have my bags fall apart four separate times, and have to rearrange my groceries approximately 8 times while simultaneously handing items to friends, so that I could make it home. If you ever need clarification as to what a sh*tshow is, refer to scenario above.

I considered that my arm workout for the day and felt simultaneously exhausted and accomplished. My first trip in a foreign grocery store was a success!!

We ended up finishing the night off with our first home cooked meal in the apartment and hit the hay early for our first day of school… which I will write about tomorrow 🙂

A domani!!

Jenna