I've seen several articles written by third-culture kids and military brats outlining the biggest contrasts between living overseas and living in America. With most of these articles I completely agree, however I can always think of a couple of additional items that I'd like to add to the list after my six years in Vicenza, Italy.

In honor of the age I moved there, here is a list of twelve differences that I have noticed since I've been back in the States.

1. Autogrill

Apparently these are not common in America. I got very strange looks when I asked. Honestly, what's better than a restaurant on top of the autostrada? Both directions of traffic can access it! Not to mention that Autogrill food is often cooked in front on you--none of that questionable gas station food that would survive longer than a cockcroach. Thanks Autogrill for always having a cappuccino e brioche in the morning and delicous panini e pizze to sustain my teammates and me on road trips.

2. Recycling

Recycling isn't optional. You don't get to choose whether you or not you harm the Earth with your wasteful habits. It's mandatory and it's not a big deal. It absolutely blows my mind that there in many places in America,where recycling isn't even encouraged. Thank you Italy for teaching me how easy it is to do the right thing for the environment.

3. Driving

1) I am a HUGE fan of rotaries/round-abouts/circles. They are immensely popular in Italy. Why stop at a light when you can go around in a circle?

2) The driving age is eighteen and getting a license can be very expensive, unlike America where nearly any sixteen year old can be on the road with a permit.

3) Other than that, do as my dad says and just go with the flow and "drive like an Italian".

4. Drinking

Well, maybe you don't start this young, however the huge stigma about underage alcohol doesn't really exist. Rather than waiting until college to binge-drink every weekend, drinking alcohol at appropriate times, such as wine with meals is part of the culture. There is less of a desire to "go get wasted" because the culture around drinking promotes the idea of understanding how much to drink and learning to drink responsibly from a young age. Don't even get me started on the love/hate relationship many people have with frizzante (bubbly water).

5. Riposo

Mando-nap time is pretty sweet. Every day for a couple hours after lunch time, most stores and restaurants close for riposo. When my family first moved to Italy we made the mistake of trying to go downtown during riposo quite a few times. Now, I've learned to appreciate this time of relaxation, it forces you to take a step back, slow down, and sometimes even take a nap.

6. Locker Rooms

For me, there will always be a difference between an American locker room and an Italian one. Maybe it's the smell, the squatty potties, the people, the language, or post-game snacks. I don't know what it is, but every time I go into a locker room I get a little nostalgic about the times I spent with my Italian counterparts and opponents after games and practices.

7. Alternative Transportation

By bus, train, bike, or foot, Italy is easy to navigate without a car. I remember hearing about a "no driving day" where it is highly encouraged not to use your car, rather to use public transport, bike, or walk. I loved the independence that I was provided through the many means of transportation. Additionally, having "walking-only" downtown areas where only buses, bikes, and feet can enter is amazing. You can't compare the sounds of your friends voices to the sounds of cars speeding by.

8. Traveling

The size of countries in Europe could be equated to the states of America. For example, this weekend I went to Pennsylvania for a sports game, whereas last year around this time I could've said the same about Germany. The opportunity to travel, see other cultures, eat fantastic food and just learn about the world is the best part of my time in Italy.

9. Restaurants

1) Coperto is covercharge. It's like a tip, but not a tip. You're paying for your utensils and service, but you don't have to pull out your tip calculator.

2) Italy is not plagued by chain restaurants and drive-thrus. Enough said.

3) Dinner doesn't start until at least 7 pm. Dinner doesn't end until at least 9 pm.

4) Meals are an experience, not a race. Several courses are to be enjoyed, not shoved down your throat.

10. Pop Culture

I had about 10 TV channels for my six years (last year Netflix streamed in Italy, woo!). I can probably tell you every Armed Forces Network (AFN) commercial verbatim, though I won't bother you with how to RICE your ankle (rest, ice compress, elevate...sorry). Despite the pop culture delay, I did eventually learn about current memes and viral videos of each week, along with new movies that reached our theater a couple weeks after they premiered in the States. I may not understand every single pop culture reference of the last five years, but I can tell you three fun facts and the capital of almost any State (thanks, AFN).

11. Markets

I honestly can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon than an Italian market. I can buy cheese, fruit, flowers, fish, five euro shirts, trinkets I don't need and so many other things. It's not necessarily about what you can buy, but the experience of walking down a street between tents that are set up and taken down within a span of a couple hours. Especially during the holiday season, markets filled with cioccolato caldo, frittelle, e vin brulé are not to be missed.

12. A Gallon of Milk

At the Commissary they sell cartons. At Italian grocery stores they sell liter bottles. Seeing a gallon of milk and realizing I had not seen one in years was a very strange feeling.

13. Adapters

For the last six years I always had to check to make sure I had an adapter for any electronic device because the American products I owned didn't fit it Italian electrical sockets. The best part is that different countries have different adapters. Oh the joys of traveling around Europe.

14. Postal Service

Amazon Prime can deliver in two days? TWO DAYS?! My sophomore year I ordered a dress a month early for Homecoming and it came a week after the dance. Don't even ask about the holidays; expect Grandma's package to be a mid-January gift. So yes, I am still amazed that I can order something and actually receive it in the expected delivery window. As long as everything gets from Point A to Point B, I won't complain.

15. Clothing Sizes

I never really went shopping for clothes until I moved to Italy, so European sizing is what I am used to. Everything seemed to be on the same scale, though it ran a little small. When I finally went shopping in America I was quite confused by the large variety and variance of sizes. I'm not sure which is better, but the shopping experience sure is different.

I fully recognize how fortunate I was to have the opportunity to life in the beautiful city of Vicenza. I am eternally grateful for every opportunity I had and every person I met. Thank you, Vicenza for allowing me to you home.

"The views expressed, [in this article] reflect personal opinions of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Naval Academy, the United States navy, any federal agency, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.”