When in Rome

Last month, I spent three days in Italy for a teaching conference. It was one of the best experiences of my life and Italy is now one of my favorite places in the world. This was my second trip to Europe, my first trip being a two-week trip to Spain in 2006. Here are some of the things I have learned from being in Europe:

• Never expect people to speak your language. It is actually terribly rude to expect people to speak English and then get mad if they don’t. Italy was my first trip going somewhere I didn’t speak the language, and it was so hard, but wonderful at the same time! My Italian is TERRIBLE and I got to be in the shoes of some of my students. I’m sure I gave some people the same look I get from my kids every time I speak only in Spanish. People tend to be nicer if you try to speak their language.

• Always carry small bills. I stopped in a shop on the side of the street to buy a Coke because I was super thirsty. Should have been water, but if you know me, I am a Coca-Cola-holic. I only had a ten euro bill. My total was 2 euros and she wouldn’t take it. You also have to spend about 10 euro (equivalent of about $14.00) to use your credit card in most stores. And they will try to convince you to spend that.

• Always be super polite. Italians (and Spaniards, and most people from other countries) can spot Americans from a mile away. Some friends and I met an Argentinian guy selling leather bags from a stand. He asked if we were Canadian. We said no and asked why he thought that. It was because Canadians tend to be more kind to street vendors than Americans. He (and many people I’ve met) believe Americans act like they’re better than others. Coming from an American, I actually know this to be true just from what I’ve seen, and it is horribly embarrassing when I see it. Please be kind to others! This leads me to my next point:

• Europe is not customer-service oriented. If you sit down at a restaurant, prepare to wait for your food and wait for your check. Checks are not dropped off at tables; you usually must ask for it. Many Americans grow frustrated with this, but it’s actually because European waiters don’t want you to feel rushed. If your food is wrong or has something on it you don’t like, it is considered an insult to the chef to send it back. We are one of the only countries that complains about our food or sends it back if it’s wrong. Pick it off or eat it. Travel is all about being flexible and trying new things!

• At restaurants, you will pay for your table instead of tipping. Usually a “service” charge will show up on your check. This is the price you pay to sit at one of their tables. If there is bread or other food on the table, it usually isn’t free like it is here. Tips, when given, are usually one euro per person if the service is good. If you don’t want to pay for your table, some places will let you take pizza or sandwiches to go. (But eating as you walk is, to me, a very American thing).

• Street vendors that have actual stands are usually there legally. Street vendors selling things off a blanket on the sidewalk are not. However, it can be quite funny to watch the polizía pull up in their smart car and chase the vendors off. Then, you usually see the same vendor somewhere else all set up again!

• Beds are usually firmer in Europe, and smaller. I actually really liked this!

• Hotel elevators are TINY. Usually there is room for two people and their bags. Sometimes one person. Sometimes just bags. I have put my bags in the elevator before and met them at the top of the stairs.

• Meals are light. Much lighter than they are here. Breakfast is usually slices of meat (like what we would call lunch meat here), cheese, crackers, and sweet pastries. Coffee is usually available. Food at hotels that is set out is not usually all you can eat. The lady at the hotel actually turned us away when we went up for more food like we would normally do here. If you plan on traveling to Europe, pack some snacks with you!

• Never wear shorts. Shorts are actually pretty uncommon from what I’ve seen, especially for girls. Pants and long skirts are better options, especially if you’re visiting churches. I learned this the hard way and had to borrow a friend’s scarf to cover my knees so I could enter a church we were visiting. Shoulders must be covered as well!

• Traveling is not as terrifying as some make it out to be. If you look at crime rates, most countries' rates are similar to ours. Just be smart and be aware of your surroundings.

• Um, last thing. Gelato is fantastic. Especially when you're sitting on the Spanish Steps.

Where is your favorite place you've traveled, here or internationally?

#travel #italy