Florence is literally so pretty it feels like I'm on a movie set and I cannot believe that I will be here for four months. I've got a lot to learn, starting with basic Italian. So, I got here last Tuesday and I would just like to share with you, the internet, seven things that I have learned in the seven days that I have been here so far.
1. J-Walking is perfectly acceptable, maybe even encouraged
In Charleston, I j-walk like it's my job and I was worried that when I got here I would have to change my ways. Luckily, traffic lights are more of a suggestion to pedestrians so I'm #thriving
2. No matter how much you try, you will never look like you belong here
I'm telling you right now, even I wore the exact outfit that an Italian person was wearing and had darker hair, I would still stick out like a sore thumb. It's hard to explain but if you're ever here you'll know, you'll see it.
3. Italians don't eat vegetables
Okay, I'm sure they do somewhere but it definitely doesn't happen when they go out to eat. I've eaten every meal out since I got here and I have seen a vegetable on the menu maybe twice. I just wonder how all Italians are so skinny?
4. Italian Netflix doesn't allow me to binge-watch the way I want
This is a sign that obviously, I have better things to do in this city than sitting around watching Netflix, but every now and then I would love to watch Criminal Minds or Shameless.
5. Water costs the same/more than wine at restaurants
This may be good for you guys but not for a not-so-avid drinker. Again I ask? How is everyone so skinny??
6. Florence is not the place to be if you're clumsy
Again, I thought Charleston was the trip-happy capital of the world but I think that I found its rival. Pair the old cobbled streets with my lack of coordination and balance and you're left with tripping at least three times a day. Believe me, I know.
7. THE MEN KNOW HOW TO DRESS
Men of all ages seem to take pride in the way they dress and let me just say I APPRECIATE THAT. It takes little to equal effort for guys in America to throw on a nice outfit rather than an Old Row shirt and khaki shorts. IT IS TIME TO STEP THE OUTFIT GAME UP!
Well if I learned this much in a week imagine how much more I will pick up on in my months to come! I might do an update on it later in my journey so stay tuned.
