Well everyone,
My luck as turned around and is on a good path right
now. I got money and I got my Italian
sim card for my phone. Plus in our
language and culture class we were informed that Milan celebrates Carnevale a
week later than the rest of Italy. So
here is to Carnevale. I have learned
quite a bit from my pre-session class.
It is like I was semi understanding of a language I had never heard
before. Now I can at least make it
through my day to day life with some Italian language. After a rainy and dreary
weekend, the weather has somewhat cleared up and it is chilly, but
beautiful. It is a great day to start
Milan’s Carnevale and I am loving it so far. It isn’t a huge party week, but
everyone is enjoying the meats and pastries that are made only for
Carnevale. Speaking of pastries I had
the most delicious pastry today. Chiacchiere (translation “little gossips”),
they are so good. They come in different
flavors (I had powdered sugar covered ones).
They are called “little gossips” due to the sound they make as you eat
them it sounds like people chatting.
They were so good (might just have to buy more). This is one of my favorite foods so far. It is wonderful! It sort of tastes like a
crispy funnel cake (which those I love).
Comparison Italy vs. U.S.:
·
Which in talking about pastries and food leads
me to the differences between Italy and American food and restaurants. In the U.S. when you go to the store to buy
groceries and such and have a budget of $25 (say for one person for 3 days of
food). You could probably get close to
the budget if you like ramen noodles and peanut butter due to the tax on
everything at the register. Here in
Italy you could walk into the market (store) and add everything up by the price
marked and get probably more than you would in the U.S. Due to the tax if any
already added into the price. As well in
Italy you have to pay for your grocery bag if you need one (I advise just
taking a backpack or your own bag). Restaurants compared between Italy and the
U.S. is a huge difference. In Italy if
you choose to sit down (there is a fee), you are seated, 
In other comparisons:
·
Italians are very pet friendly. Now this is how I know. First, dogs are
allowed in restaurants, shops and stores (seriously and not petsmart). I have seen countless dogs in
restaurants. Also when it is raining or
cold outside most dogs wear coats and boots (don’t laugh I’m serious). Big to
small they all wear raincoats or sweaters and little boots. I have even seen one person walking their dog
holding an umbrella over the dog. I mean
I love my dog, but I would never hold an umbrella for it over myself. I actually am considering the coat and boots
for my dog though (Blue beware).
·
Italians are very punctual when it comes to
closing time or end of business. They
literally will close the door if the clock changes and the door was half way
open in your hand (I know this from experience). They also rush you if you are in the market
30 minutes before closing. They love their end of business time.
·
Italians are always decently dressed. I mean sweatpants are rare and I’ve only seen
those who are playing soccer or working out wearing them out. The popular
trends seem to be skinny jeans or jeggings with ankle boots and a coat or
jacket that has a belt around the middle.
Everybody wears this (and I mean everybody young, old, really old). Also it seems that the black thick rimmed
(nerd) glasses are very popular here.
Natural is also the way to go. Black and brown (tan, army green, white, and
grey) are the colors most people wear.
Also natural in make-up and hair styles (straight, way, messy, curly,
and pulled-up). Which leads me to I wish
I would have packed more of my boots and more tops to match the colors that are
popular here and left a couple things at home.
Just means I need to go shopping!
·
Personal space. Oh how is it completely different? Well Italians believe that personal space is approximately
the 3-6 inches around your body. Metros
are crazy and the platforms at busy times is insane. Even the stores and markets gets hectic when
trying to get your stuff and people breathing on your neck. Sidewalks (especially during rain) are crazy
close. Like what is personal space any more.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the week. This is the
last week of my pre-session language class and next Monday is the start of my
classes. May be I can get out and about
more this weekend and share a slice of the beauty of Italy with y’all. I miss home, but love Italy! I miss all my
friends and family! Well wishes to all from Italia!
Ciao Amici!