As the scorching rays of sun bring out our freckles from hibernation, millions of Americans each year eagerly wish to abandon their winter thermals and begin to plan their summer vacations. Enticed by its magical history and promises of experiencing “La Bella Vita”, many look toward the boot -shaped country of Italy. Clutching an Italian dictionary in hand and donning the most unbecoming beige birkenstocks, they eagerly step onto a flight that in 12 hours will take them to “paradise”. Often, these tourists are aghast when their cab driver instantly asks for the name of their hotel in English, or when the barista isn’t convinced by a seemingly impressive coffee order in Italian. Unfortunately, as native Genovese Rebecca Ogliari explains, “it is incredibly easy to spot i turisti Americani in Italy”. Lucky for you, as a native and fluent speaker, I can offer the insider information, a peek into our world, to ensure that you can authentically blend in as just another one of us.
“Un Cappuccino, per favore”
While Yankees often enjoy a classic iced latte at all waking hours of the day, there is a stigma that comes with ordering certain coffees at the wrong hours of the day in Italy. But never fear! As your self appointed tour guide, I will expose the unspoken Italian rules of coffee time. First, it is an absolute MUST to know that ordering coffee to go is a big no-no. Locals often order their coffee at the bar, drink it quickly on the spot, and get on with their day. If one is caught wandering through the stradone holding a cardboard cup, that is a dead giveaway of a tourist. Secondly, as affirmed by Ogliari, “a coffee or a cappuccino is not to be had with your main meal. Italians truly cherish each food or drink item of their day individually, so mixing these flavors is a travesty.” Additionally, a true local would not order a cappuccino after lunch – only espressos from 12 pm onward. If you follow these simple suggestions next time you enter a bar, you will most certainly succeed in not being frowned upon by other Italians.
LuluLemon is not invited to the Colosseum
Known as the fashion capital of the world, Milans exquisite and excellent style, while not always replicated to the same level, is seen throughout the rest of the country. Ogliari comments on how “Italians take pride in how they dress and look and often don’t mix their clothing choices. For example, a suit and tie is worn to the office and athletic wear is worn to the gym.” In fact, it is so rare to see an Italian in athleisure that it makes it the easiest way to spot tourists while walking through Italy. Spandex outside of the palestra is frowned upon and if you wish to make any sort of a decent impression of the extremely judgmental Italiani, please for the love of god, leave the LuluLemon at home!
Attitude Problems
Now this one is controversial, but honestly a blatantly obvious characteristic most Americans possess is their friendliness. While I agree that this is an admirable trait, the positivity will not help in assimilating to Italian culture. Giselle Granese, born and raised in Rome, relayed her shock to me at Americans’ cheery demeanor towards strangers. “It amazes me how Americans stop complete strangers to compliment their outfits or just to say hello. Here in Italy, if I did that, people would assume I was being ingenuine or just weird.” In other words, when it comes to the Italian public, it is best to go against your natural instinct and remain indifferent when meeting strangers.
