Italy is one of the oldest and influential countries and as a girl from New York City it is truly a dream to be able to study abroad in Rome the heart of Italy. As I have settled in and found my routine I have noticed that life is a little different here. One key difference from the big apple to Rome is that everything is done a little slower. This has given me time to truly notice my surroundings and look deeper into my everyday routine. As a detail oriented person, I notice everything around me looking at what people are wearing, trying to figure out where they are going, who they are seeing, etc. just trying to entertain myself as I walk mundanely to class. I have noticed that in Italy wearing leggings is a big no. Even when going to the gym the women do not just walk out in their work out attire but will change back into their clothes, blow dry their hair, and pretend as if they were never at the gym. I found this interesting as everyone in the United States wears leggings for any activity.

I have also found that everyone wears stylish attire no matter what their field of work is. In New York I would go to the Post Office for instance and the people working at the Post Office would be in uniform, not in Italy. I had to go to the Post Office here recently to get immigration papers and as I waited to be assisted I looked around at the people working and they were dressed beautifully. Not one Polyester uniform in sight. This was a shock to me because it truly showed that the dress code is very different across seas.

I want to be a local with all my heart and as I get dressed for my 8am class and look at my leggings I shake my head with despair as at school I would throw them on and a lazy old sweatshirt and get on with my day. Instead I must pick out my outfit the night before and walk everyday on the cobblestone streets in my dressy booties. I truly enjoy every minute of it, I just find it to be interesting the differences in clothing as I just begin to settle in. Everyone has the right to their own clothing expression but to be a local one must attempt to dress like one too.