An Italian American in Italy

Italians love Italians.

As an Italian American studying in Florence, I have gotten a lot of appreciation from local Italians of my heritage and choosing to study in Italy.  Italians in the cafe, in stores, and my professors all comment on my name, "oh, Gina, you are Italian, si?" Or, you have an Italian name. Di dove sei?" Where are you from?

It makes me feel welcomed here, and I respond, "si, sono di Naploli e Calabria."  A waiter in a cafe after hearing where I was from, told me that I must go and see Naples."Everything there is beautiful, and all of the food, is very good. Especially the pizza." The first pizza was said to be made in Naples.

Most people I have interacted with are very nice and appreciate when you try to speak Italian.  There is an older  woman that operates a stand near my apartment with fresh fruits and vegetables - I asked, "quanto costo?" how much, and I was able to understand the price when she responded with Italian in numbers.  When I was ready to purchase, she weighed the bags and told me a price without the cents.

Walking to class in the mornings, I feel like I made the right choice in deciding to study here.  Locals smile at me, and when I pass by shops, I get "ciao" and "buongiorno." My professors also seem passionate about what they teach, and most of my courses include field trips (to museums, and other places) as part of the course.  I hope to learn and appreciate Florence even more so after studying the people through literature, art, history and  religion. Knowing basic conversational Italian will also be rewarding while living here.

Bar

In Italy, "bar" can mean a shop where you can buy coffee and a snack.  It is a part of the culture here to buy an espresso or cappuccino and stand to drink it while chatting with the owner and others at the counter.  Not many bars in Florence have chairs or tables.

This week, I felt like a true Italian when I ordered a cafe latte and stood up at the counter while drinking my coffee.