When I tell Italians that I am studying abroad in Florence from the University of New Hampshire (UNH), many ask how I like it and if it is different from back home. Now that I am a month into my semester in Florence and a month deeper into Italian culture, I’ve come to realize that some of the biggest American ideas about Italian culture are shaped more by movies and stereotypes than real life.
One of the biggest stereotypes is how Italians eat. What most Americans think, and what I had previously presumed, was that Italians ate huge bowls of spaghetti, garlic bread, pizza, and gelato for dinner. And while I do tend to treat myself to gelato every night, this is not the case for the locals. In reality, pasta or risotto is often a small first course. The meals here are balanced through courses with protein, vegetables, bread, and fruits. In general, pizza is considered an easily shareable, social meal.
“They give out a lot of free stuff, free drinks, and sometimes appetizers, and they will always be open to having a conversation. I feel very comfortable dining out in Italy, and I don’t feel rushed,” said Audrey Quinn, a UNH Junior studying in Florence, Italy.
When dining out in Italy, I’ve also come to notice the pacing of the meals. In America, it’s standard to place your order immediately, eat, and get your bill shortly after. You have wait staff checking in on you consistently. In Italian dining settings, you can order a drink and sit with the menu for as long as you want. Once you order and receive your food, the staff is in no rush to get you out. In fact, you have to actually ask for your bill when you are ready to pay and leave.
“Here, you have to ask to pay because they’re not going to rush you out. When I’ve asked to get the check, I actually have to go up to the counter because you’re not being seen as just a number or a dollar sign but as a customer, and they want you to enjoy your experience at the restaurant,” UNH Sophomore, Maya Freedman, said.
When arriving in Florence, I assumed it would be a struggle to find iced coffees. I had a preconceived notion that there would be no option for me, being somebody who prefers iced drinks to hot ones. And while this has partially been a proven theory in my time here, and there is unfortunately no Dunkin’ Donuts, I have to admit that there are more options than I thought there would be. Café Mario’s has been a lifesaver with one of the best salted caramel iced lattes.
Most Americans assume that Italians are loud and that the culture involves yelling and chaos. In reality, Italians are very expressive and deeply polite. I have had some of my best interactions here with local Italians. The locals are very respectful, so long as we Americans are respectful of their homes and culture as well. For example, walking in the streets of New York City can be extremely stressful. People are yelling, running, arguing, and while there are good moments, it’s often more anxiety-inducing than it is peaceful. Walking in the streets of Florence is fairly quiet; most people aren’t in a rush to get anywhere, and store owners are often outside and greeting passersby.
It is important to remember, as English-speaking Americans, that English is not the first language in many other countries. While many Italians do speak English, it is not their native tongue, and the language barriers do matter. The locals appreciate any effort to speak the language, even if it just comes in greetings such as “Buongiorno,” “Ciao,” “Buonosera,” or just saying, “Thank you,” and “You’re welcome,” which is “Grazie,” and “Prego.” I learned quickly that knowing even basic Italian phrases completely changes how people treat you. A professor of mine in Florence didn’t understand what I meant when I asked if we would have a cheat sheet for our final. Instead of getting frustrated, I just explained what “cheat sheet” meant. He ended up turning down the idea of a cheat sheet, but we were able to communicate.
While Italians live day-to-day life in a less stressful way than Americans, they still work very hard. It is not a slow and carefree lifestyle. Italians value punctuality; they value their jobs and their worklife, their bureaucracy is intense, and their government is involved. In Italy, they have a Unitary Parliamentary Republic, which is similar to a Congress in America. They utilize a President and a Prime Minister, and overall have a very similar government to the United States.
Living in Italy, so far, has taught me that any cultural understanding will not come from movies or tourist books, but from learning a daily routine. Ordering morning coffee, navigating the public transport system, being okay with struggling through conversations, and learning when to slow down. The biggest misconception Americans probably have about Italian culture is the idea that we already understand it.
Dining and Cooking