Everyone that knows me knows that there are a few things I am obsessed with. I'm obsessed with gummy bears, summer, country music, and most importantly, America. There's something about that patriotic flag waving on the Fourth of July that I just love. However, I have spent the past month studying abroad in Italy, and have realized a few things that they are topping us in... I still love you, America, but you could do better in some areas.
1. Dogs
Yes, this is the first thing on my list. The dogs of Italy are the most beautiful, friendly creatures. I would blame the weather for the reason America is slacking on the dog life, but even in the summer, all the dogs seem to be hiding. Here in Italy, you can walk for five minutes down the street and you are guaranteed to see at least two dogs. Also, they are trained so well that they don't even need a leash.
2. Pizza
Man, oh man, the pizza. I love a good, thick pizza from a chain restaurant at home, but nothing compares to the pizza Italy has to offer. From the fresh basil to the sweet sauces, to the endless cheese options, you truly can't go wrong. Sure, there are some pizzas here better than the others, but unlike America, you can't find a bad pizza here.
3. Gelato
Although blizzards and milkshakes aren't big here, gelato is huge and always fresh. I think that's the main thing that makes it top American ice cream. You can be walking down the street past a gelato shop and smell the fresh cream and chocolate as it draws you in. If you like hard serve, they have it. As for soft serve, it does exist, but honestly, the hard serve is soft/creamy enough to suffice for both.
4. Leather markets
The streets of Italy are filled with people trying to sell you things just, like they are in big cities in America. Here in Italy, there are multiple leather markets where you can bargain your way from 100 euro to 70 euro, maybe even more, if you're that good. The only thing you have to be careful of is what is genuine leather and what isn't. For the most part, you will be safe, just don't go alone and don't try to buy a bag for 20 euro.
5. Clubs/bars
Hold the creepy men that hit on you and follow you around if you get separated from your friends. If you stay with your friends, these places are pretty cool. Drinks cost less than water here and the music is always fun and never overplayed Taylor Swift songs. Bonus, all bars/clubs here are different from each other. There are EDM clubs, discos, Irish pubs, alternative bars, and other endless possibilities that I haven't even tried yet.
6. Style
This is coming from someone who wears leggings, converse, and a flannel shirt daily. We Americans NEED to start putting ourselves together. There's a clear difference between myself and the locals here. I have never seen an Italian wearing a sweatshirt or leggings with their hair up in a sloppy bun. They all seem so put together and still look comfortable, making them look happier than us tired-looking Americans.
7. Health
One word: walking. The Italians walk everywhere. At first, I was very against the walking, as I was panting while walking up giant hills. One month later, and I feel better than ever. Sure, I've been eating more than I do in America (refer to items two and three), but walking everywhere keeps you fit. Places that are far; I understand you do have to drive too. But I know multiple times in America I have driven to places that were a 10 minute walk away just because I was lazy. Here in Italy, if it's 45 minutes or less, you walk there and you enjoy the view on the way.
8. Architecture
The cathedrals here are something else. Something out of a movie. From the building itself to the murals and paintings on the inside to the sculptures all around them, everything is so beautiful. You don't get that in America, you just get simple paintings with no real history behind them.
9. Nature
The gardens and the Arno River. Maybe I'm being picky here, but the river by my house in America caught on fire once upon a time and typically smells like sewage. The Arno is another story, with beautiful cafés sitting on it and gorgeous bridges. As for the gardens, the beauty is year round. Not only are they magnificent to look at, but they typically smell like oranges, with a few orange trees sitting in them.
10. Wine
Last but not least, the wine. There's something glorious about being able to split a bottle of fresh, good-tasting wine with a friend for under 10 euro. There are the expensive bottles, but when you're my age, you will settle for the good-tasting cheap wine. You can walk into a store here in Italy and walk out with a bottle of wine for 2 euro, which is literally mind-blowing.
America, you have three months until I return... It's your move. Now or never.
