10 Most American Things I've Done Since Living in Bologna

01

Ordered a Cappucino After 11

The easiest way for an Italian to know you're a foreigner is to order a cappucinno (coffee with warm foamy milk) in the evening or night. They hold coffee as their own personal god, and breaking this sacred rule is blasphemy.

02

Asked for a "Knife for my Legs" instead of a Razor

Possibly the easiest way to get something you want in another language when you don't know the word for it is to describe it, obviously this was a fail.

03

Asked for an English Menu

At the end of a stressful day, sometimes your brain just can't take any more italian. And sometimes you really just need to know you're not ordering a dish with anchovies or brussel sprouts... no judgement necessary.

04

Went into a bar simply because it said it had free Wifi

Being an international student without access to internet for a word you simply don't know or to make sure your mom hasn't texted you for the 5 billionth time if you're okay is stressful. We've all been there. Just saying.

05

Ate Aperitivo for Dinner instead of Waiting...

They eat dinner in Italy at 8 at the earliest, and when you've been walking around all day and can't wait for dinner or a full meal, sometimes 7-8 Euros for a drink and an appetizer buffet doesn't sound so bad.

06

Went to the Supermarket and Bought Oreos and Peanut Butter

I haven't yet met an italian that likes peanut butter, or at least none of my roommates do. Apparently unless it has chocolate and hazelnuts it's not worth their time. But I was definitely feeling homesick and I needed some comfort food -- so I ate the whole role in one evening.

07

Just said "Yes" instead of trying to understand what someone was saying

Sometimes it's just easier to nod your head and go with the flow instead of asking an italian to speak slower or describe the thing they are asking of you. And sometimes when they put extra mayo on your sandwich you realize it was a mistake.

08

Tried to Walk in a Straight Line on the Sidewalk

There are no rules when walking on the sidewalk in Italy. Everyone walks in every which way, and they are not afraid of running into you either. Surprisingly enough, most people don't walk, I'd say it's more equivalent to a "mosey".

09

Tried to Open a Door

Apparently Italy also has absolutely no rules when it comes to door handles, and signs for "push" or "pull" come few and far between. Many times I have to just stand there wondering if the door is a push, pull, or simply locked.

10

Attempted to have a conversation, and Ended up Apologizing

Asking for a sandwich, sure. Saying you're tired? Easy. Having a conversation with your 5 roommates about the differences between Italy and the United States? It's about as exhausting for me as it is for them sometimes. And towards the end I just kind of give up and apologize for everyone's sanity.