Overseas discoveries no. 2

*I wrote this post when I first arrived in Florence (January 2017) for five months of studying and living in Italy. Everything was so new and exciting and I love looking back on this. I wrote several for this series, and will be continuing it.*

ONE. I miss my bed.

And its four pillows, three blankets, super fluffy duvet…you get the picture. The fear of rolling off a twin bed is real. Lol.

TWO. Culture shock is real.

Assimilating into a new culture is not an easy task. I have such a new respect for all immigrants, and anyone who has moved to a place different from where they are from. There’s so much to learn, and a small thing, like ordering and eating at a cafe, can seem like the most intimidating thing you’ve done in your life (if you’re concerned about fitting in, and not standing out as a foreigner).

THREE. Being disconnected isn’t always freeing.

Three years ago I went on my first camping trip. There was no wifi, no cellular service, and nowhere to charge my dead cell phone. It was the best thing ever, and when the weekend came to a close, I would’ve happily thrown my phone out the window and lived without one (if it weren’t for the fact that my phone connects me to everyone in my world). Since my phone was stolen (yep, you read that right, my phone was stolen-see OVERSEAS DISCOVERIES No. 1, where I reveal that pick-pocketing is real), I’ve felt cut-off in the worst way. I find so much joy keeping in touch with people and sharing what I’m doing, that it’s been hard to not have access to all the usual platforms to do that.

FOUR. Never buy too much at the supermarket, you have to carry it all home!

This discovery falls under the category of “practical tips for living in Florence” and I never want to make this mistake again. It’s much easier to just go to the grocery store a couple times a week and get small loads at a time!

FIVE. The struggle between old and new is real.

But the struggle plays out beautifully in Italy, in its architecture, customs, people. The old benefits from the new, and vice-versa.

SIX. Follow a European eating schedule.

Because if you don’t, you’ll find closed restaurants and side glances from Italians wondering why you want to eat lunch at noon, or dinner at six. No bene!

SEVEN. Food label ignorance is bliss.

Italian (and maybe all European nutrition labels?) do their calories much differently than in America, where everything is labeled in terms of serving size. You can either choose to try and figure it out (good luck!) or just live in calorie ignorance.

EIGHT. Pack the meds you like from home.

This is another piece of practical advice I thought I’d share. Unfortunately I’m someone prone to sinus infections, and I wish I had brought some over-the-counter meds to help me deal with them. It helps to have familiar remedies when you’re ill in a different country, thousands of miles away from home!

NINE. Be assertive.

In cafes, restaurants, stores, markets. Italians can’t read your mind or your blank stares, so help them out by communicating what you want or need, and they will be more than happy to accommodate you. Even better if you try it in Italian! Learn parlo un po d’Italiano (I only speak a little Italian), and you will be greeted with smiles from locals who appreciate your effort.

TEN. “Do it now or forever wish you had.”

My friend and I’s motto for the semester. When you’re living in a different country for only a set, short amount of time, you obviously want to make the most out of the experience. There’s no time for chickening out or missing out because of the unfamiliarity of it all. Embrace the differences and you’ll start to love the culture for what it is.

*I wrote this post when I first arrived in Florence (January 2017) for five months of studying and living in Italy. Everything was so new and exciting and I love looking back on this. I wrote several for this series, and will be continuing it.*