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Question: What new perspectives about the United States have you gained during your semester abroad? What aspects have been extremely different? What has been similar to the U.S. that you expected to be different? Are there any specific things you wish the U.S. would adopt?
Written by: Allison Shimp
While living in Florence, I have found that life in the US moves at a much faster pace than I realized. Here, people take their time in pretty much everything they do.
They walk slower, they spend hours having a meal, and businesses close for a couple of hours in the middle of the day just for people to have a break. It’s nice to know that there is really no rush with the things I do here, and it creates a very calming atmosphere that I wish occurred more often at home.
Another thing that is different is the basic items they have here. People eat Nutella all the time, but don’t have peanut butter. They drink sparkling water instead of still water, and they don’t use butter nearly as much as we do (which I miss!).
It’s also different living in such an old city. Florence has so much character and history, and there’s really nothing in the U.S. that looks anything like it.
One thing that surprised me is that the music here is basically the exact same as in the U.S.
In shops, restaurants, and bars, all current, American songs are played. Everywhere I go, I keep hearing Lady Gaga, which I find funny.
There really is no equivalent to the fast food here. Even a random slice of pizza or sandwich that you can grab at a little café is delicious. I also wish there was gelato at home!
I would love for the U.S. to have food like they make here in Italy and adopt the attitude they have about eating.
Florentines take their time with each meal and use it as a way to socialize and relax. Even at my home in Florence, we get dinners with multiple courses, which is fantastic!
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