Before traveling to Italy, I did some research on the ways American and European cultures vary. For example, I knew that we generally talked louder, ate faster, and dressed differently. I also knew that the food portion sizes would be smaller yet more nutrient dense. In fact, I wrote a research paper for my college English class, detailing the contrasting food policies of both nations. However, there were still many aspects unknown to me before my arrival. This blog will explain the things I found shocking and now do not take for granted being back home in the US.
Restaurants
As I stated previously, the culture around eating is different in Europe. When dining at a restaurant in the States, we like to be serviced upon being seated, with a small wait between drinks, appetizers, food, and dessert. While the conversations are flowing in between bites, there is more of an emphasis on constant service to make sure the customer has everything they want. In Europe, their slower-paced lifestyle is largely mirrored in dining customs. The service is much slower, allowing customers to relax and converse with their group. I remember once getting seated and not receiving my drink order for over forty minutes! Furthermore, when you are ready for your next course or even want the bill, a waiter is hard to find. Sometimes you are able to walk up to the bar and pay for the check yourself depending on the establishment. Lastly, in the United States, we take for granted all the free things we get at restaurants. Paying for water and additional refills may be known to most who are planning to take a trip abroad, but you may be unaware that sauces are also charged on your bill. So if you order a side of ketchup, it will be on the bill.
Bathrooms and Stores
I can’t speak for all of Europe, but I can attest to Italy when I explain the major contrast in Italian restrooms. The most common trait is the inaccessibility of them. For my second travel weekend, I stayed in Venice, and I walked the majority of all three days there. The only problem was when I needed to use the restroom, I had to awkwardly ask a bar owner or just wait until my next meal. For readers who are interested in studying abroad, take advantage of mealtimes and the free facilities because there are few other options. I grew frustrated when I didn’t want to buy food or drinks and just had to carry out a basic human function.
Continuing on the line of public establishments, how to throw away trash is taken very seriously in Italy. For most, there is a slot for paper waste, plastic waste, organic waste, and a larger slot for everything else. I also saw a chute for liquids that I found very smart. This way of discarding trash is very environmentally friendly and is farther more progressive than in America. But I do enjoy the easy American way of tossing everything in one trash can.