Walking through the airport in Rome in a dazed state, trying to decipher the Italian signs to find the baggage claim, the other tourists and I struggle along. After sitting for nine hours on a flight my legs learn to walk again as I find a seasoned traveler to follow, so I do not seem so lost. Stepping off a plane into a new city is one thing, but coming to a new country is a whole new world. Being in another country is like being a toddler again, you have to relearn how to act and talk. No matter how long you prepared, how many books you read or how many movies you watched the new country is never what you expected. Lucky for me, pictures do not do Rome justice for its beauty.
The first 48 hours I live in a jet-lagged state attempting to fit in with the Italians. Some laugh as I butcher simple “Grazie” while others smile and become a mini translator for you. If you get it right they throw their hands up in delight and if you do really well you get kisses on each cheek. Nothing beats the feeling of saying a whole sentence correctly. At first my main goal was to blend in because I have heard so many stories about American’s being targeted for crimes, but after two days here I realized that no matter how hard I try I will always stand out as American. Not only does my Italian lack, but unless I threw out all my clothes I would never dress to the standards of Italian style. Embracing my American pride, I decided to take a different route. Now I did not go walking down the street in an American flag crop top and booty shorts, but I did change my attitude.
There are some typical tourist tips that everyone tries to take seriously when going abroad. The biggest one being not to wear tennis shoes and a t-shirt to walk around because that shouts “I want to buy something”, however after walking for four hours around Rome in 90 degree heat you may change your mind. I gave up by sandals for my Nike’s, keeping my cute casual outfit so I blend in a little but my feet survive to walk the next day. I keep my small purse tucked to my side with one hand on it anytime I am around a crowd, instead of looking like a pregnant women, with my backpack on my front. If you walk with confidence and refrain from making eye contact with street sellers, 90% of people will avoid you and if they do approach you, just say no politely. A common misconception about going abroad is that people do not like Americans, but I have found that most Italians genuinely enjoy having us here. We bring our stories, our money and most importantly we make them laugh. They enjoy teaching us the proper way to eat, talk and where to go. As long as you throw out a “Ciao” or “Grazie” every once in a while, anyone can have an exciting trip abroad.
