Things I didn’t realize would be so different in Italy

I knew moving to a new country would come with surprises. I just didn’t expect the ones that found me in Italy to be such small, everyday details that caught me off guard.

Nevertheless, I’ll outline the few things that shocked my American upbringing.

Italy’s coffee culture.

Of course, I knew the Italians were famous for their coffee culture, but what I didn’t expect were all of the rules that came with it: no cappuccinos after 11am, only espresso after a meal, finishing your drink at the bar and not taking it to go.

Since I’d packed up my life and moved to their country, I wanted to respect their rules. Still, I couldn’t help wishing for a cappuccino at any hour of the day and missing the comfort of a to-go cup always glued to my hand.

That’s all to say, I grew very fond of my moka pot and now ridiculously large collection of tazze and tazzine that will continue to come with me wherever I end up in the world.

Italy’s store hours.

Coming from NYC, I could get about anything I’ve ever desired at any moment, any hour of the day. In Italy, that’s very much not the case.

Not only do many stores close early in the evening, a lot of businesses close in the middle of the day for a pausa pranzo (lunch break/rest). Although I first found this as an inconvenience as a consumer, I’ve since realized it’s just one of the many great ways this country prioritizes a work-life balance.

Ordering packages in Italy

I’m an online shopaholic if you will, but that all changed when I moved to Italy. I remember asking my landlord in Florence how I can receive packages and she said she simply didn’t know. “How could she not know?” I thought to myself. Does no one in this building order things online? 

Back home, it’s quite simple. You order online and in a few days your package arrives right at your door. In Italy, I learned after a few failed attempts, that you must order your package to a nearby tabacchi. 

Once I figured this out, it was smooth sailing thereon.

All of this is to say that I find these everyday differences what makes this move so special. It doesn’t have to be about these big cultural differences, but more so the tiny moments that impact you every day. Why travel across the ocean for the exact same life you were leading before?