Differences

This cute video was shown to us on the first day of class as an 'intro' to Italian culture and the quirks that makes Italy different from the rest of Europe. Our assistant professor, who is Italian, said to us, "you laugh, but just wait, it will happen to you." Oh and believe me it did which makes re-watching this now that much funnier. In one way or another I experience all of these things portrayed.

Parking? yeah, perpendicular to the space and at every angle imaginable. One time we were walking home and saw someone drive up on the sidewalk with half of the car and just park there. What?!

Bus schedules: apparently the drivers have a lot of unions here and like to go on strike when it suits them. According to our tour guide, this is mostly on Mondays and Fridays so they can have a long weekend. This is only convenient if you're not waiting at a bus stop for close to an hour thinking you tram is going to arrive any minute.

Cars vs pedestrians: I was told to be careful going abroad because pedestrians don't have the right of way here like they do back home. However, I would say I've actually ran out into oncoming traffic more times than I ever have in the US. In Italy crosswalks seem to be suggestions, sometimes you have to have a little confidence and walk across (or cross with a group) when there is a slight gap in traffic otherwise you may never get there. Confident but cautious, that's the way around here.

Other differences:

• water: in restaurants it's not free and when you pay for it you will get one bottle only. Cherish that water. On the streets of Rome however, there are many fountains on the streets that come from the aquifers with very good, cool, drinkable water.
• service included: most places service is included and tax is calculated into the price which lends to much nicer round figures to deal with. However round numbers also means cashiers and store owners are a lot more hesitant to give out change to large bills and will ask for smaller bills if necessary.
• closed for lunch time break: most churches are closed between 12 and 3-4pm and businesses as well sometimes will be closed in the early afternoon for lunch.
• cobblestone streets: these streets are ubiquitous in Rome and are very narrow so pedestrians end up walking in the road til cars come by and then move aside to allow them to pass. Not all roads have sidewalks in Rome so this is a common practice.