Ciao! From being in Italy for over a month already, there are a few things that I couldn't help but notice. There are lots of different cultural norms and expectations. Here are a few! In Italy... - They do not put ice in your drink, no matter what the drink is. If you ask for ice, they will probably assume that you are American -Multiple courses for dinner. Italians will eat an appetizer, then a pasta dish, then a main dish. -Pasta and meats are always separated -Slower paced. You can sit in a restaurant for hours. They will not rush you out. Dining is about the experience, not about quickly moving tables to make tips - Italians do not tip -If you tip, you are American -You have to ask for the check when you are finished - It is rude to eat in class - Italian university classes do not have one professor per class. They have multiple professors per class, and this manipulates what days and times you have class on a weekly basis - Europeans talk much quieter
La Befana is a holiday that is very similar to our Christmas. On La Befana, an Italian Christmas Witch delivers candy and presents to children whom are good. This also ties in to the Three Kings. Legend has it that the Witch, La Befana, was approached by the Three Kings and was asked for directions to find baby Jesus. She did not know where Jesus was, but she let the kings stay in her home. Apparently, she was a very good hostess! After the kings left, she decided that she, too, wanted to search for baby Jesus. Now, she travels all around Italy searching for Jesus, and leaving presents in every child's home. On the morning of La Befana I was woken up to a loud parade right outside of my window. I had no idea what was going or what La Befana even was, but I definitely couldn't say no to loud music. My roommates and I followed the parade right to the Duomo, and it was a really interesting experience. Everyone was dressed up in costumes.