WTI Magazine #45    2014 October, 15
Author : Anna Stein      Translation by:

The beginning of October marks the end of my first full month living in Rome. So as an amateur Roman, and a professional American in Italy for the very first time, here are a few tips I can procure from my first impressions and initial experiences.

Get gelato. Everything from here on out is made more enjoyable accompanied by pistachio and caffe gelato. Do not resist the urge to indulge yourself daily! Every walk through Rome is made sweeter, cone in hand. As an American who loves ice cream, I imagined gelato to be comparable, but, especially after watching men and women get gelato on their lunch break each day, it is obvious there is no real American equivalent to the influence of gelato in the city-- a gelateria is nestled between almost every shop, littering each street with what seems to be a one to one ratio of gelaterias to storefronts and restaurants. Each shop has its own flair on the flavors, so stopping in and experiencing each one is justifiable. Embrace treating yourself the Italian way!

Go inside. Walking the streets of Rome, practically every corner and piazza is home to a magnificent church, and while the gigantic and impressive architecture of each is awesome in its own right, going inside is necessary. These glorious churches are home to some of the artwork that most of us have seen online or in textbooks. Each ceiling, every dome, every wall is made to represent the glory of God, adorned with millions of details all made to highlight the lives of saints before us, and the grace of angels around us. Whether you're religious or not, these interiors are a spectacle to be seen and appreciated, if not for their spiritual power, but for their artistic and architectural brilliance. Do not just walk past these treasures, and never think because you've seen one dome, or one altar, that you've seen them all!

Dress so you can always go inside. Certain clothing choices can limit your ability to experience the city. Although the heat of September and early October definitely warrants the donning of shorts and skimpy tops, as a tourist, your walk throughout the city can be severely hindered by a decision to wear either. Most places of historical and religious significance (churches, basilicas, cathedrals, museums) require coverage past the knee and over the shoulders. The heat can be suffered, but waiting in line for hours at St. Peter's only to be told your sundress to your mid-thigh is unacceptable... well that is a heavy disappointment. My own wardrobe now consists of only clothing I can do everything in-- go out to a restaurant, pop into a few churches on the way, sit on the Spanish Steps, walk to the Pantheon, pray at the Basilica, get gelato. Practical sandals, a long skirt or pants, a nice t-shirt-- Rome awaits!

Don't expect the same level of common-courtesy as in the States. "Scusi" was the first Italian phrase I learned, and while I use it habitually, I have yet to be payed this courtesy by a local before he or she nudges past me in the supermarket. In the supermarkets of America, the employees checking you out usually bombard you with politeness (Hello! How are you? Did you find everything, okay? Thank you, have a nice day!), but here, the lack of overt friendliness has been a slight culture shock. A friend and I went to get sandals at a local shoe shop, and the store employee displayed actual anger at us for not knowing exactly which shoe we wanted-- she, in an annoyed sigh, told us to leave the store, look through the window for what shoe we wanted to try on, and re-enter with our minds made up. I was shocked by this behavior, because most shoe stores in the States are teaming with employees eagerly begging to assist you in your decision process.

Another thing, don't expect lines to form or be upheld. Italians do not have a concept of lines or "whose turn is it" or "who's first". Even at mass, when it is time for Communion, people from all pews will storm the altar. If you ever "wait for your turn" you will always be budged in Rome. It's a dog eat dog and a sink or swim environment!

Lastly, for now, eat whatever the locals recommend. Release your inhibitions! If American life as you've known it has brought you to the point where you don't do mushrooms, or you don't do prawns, then by all means you must do them here. My first night in Rome, I ordered octopus, and as promised, even though I was incapable of truly expecting it, I was served a complete octopus in a pot. It was delicious. I have been served pizzas and pastas in ways I've never imagined, with ingredients I would never have expected, only to be left entirely satisfied. Balsamic glaze could be drizzled on anything and I'd eat it; Truffle oil could rule a country, and I'd move there. These are the facts of life that I've learned by giving myself completely to the will of Italian cuisine. So, drink the wine that is served, and don't leave anything on the table. Italy knows how to do it, and you'll learn to love it!