After only being here in Rome, Italy for a week, I have already seen and learned so many new things. Many rumors and stereotypes about Romans I have found are actually true. From the way they drive to the way they drink their coffee, Romans are definitely one of a kind.
1. They do not believe in personal space. In the train or the tram, you will find that they do not mind pushing themselves up on you (so keep your bags close in front of you).
2. Road lanes and lines mean nothing. They will drive however they want.
3. Crosswalks mean nothing as well. They will not stop or slow down for you.
4. If it's a road--any kind of road--you better believe they will try and drive through it. Even the small alleyways covered with people.
5. Parking lots and parking spots don't exist to them. They will park anywhere.
6. People will know you're an American. No matter how hard you try to blend in, they just know.
7. You will hear a siren of some kind pass by at least two times in an hour.
8. Most of the roads are brick, so it gets hard to walk on and hurts your feet after a while.
9. You must ask for the check at a restaurant or they will let you sit forever.
10. Hot showers? Forget it.
11. All of the food here is so fresh.
12. Gelato is like heaven in a cup (or on a cone).
13. Pictures do not do this place justice.
14. The servings are smaller, but they will fill you up.
15. Even if it says it will rain all day, it most likely will not rain at all.
16. Everyone wears jackets and scarves every day. Even when it is really hot.
17. You will hear English and American music in almost every store.
18. Motorcycles can pretty much do whatever they want.
19. Tipping does not exist here.
20. Always ask if they speak English. Parli inglese?
21. If you see a bar sign, it is most likely just a coffee shop that happens to sell alcohol.
22. Really every store and shop that sells food sells alcohol.
23. Do not think in dollars and spend in euros. If it is 15.99 euros, it is 17.96 dollars.
24. They use commas to show the price (15,99).
25. The roads are never empty and never quiet.
26. Many of the buildings are hundreds of years old and just get renovated for new purposes.
27. Italians are very quiet.
28. Drivers are not afraid to hit you. They will not stop. (No, I have not been hit by a car).
29. Drivers will always use their horn. They don't care if it makes you mad.
30. When getting out of a parking space, they will back into cars and then drive off.
All of these are just from being here only a week. I am so in love with this place even if the people here do some crazy things. I am so excited to see what the rest of this month will bring me.
