I have experienced the most cultural confrontation when dining in restaurants. I find it very frustrating how slow the service is when trying to order or when trying to get the check. It is almost like they servers do not want to take my money which is very different from America. In America they try and get you in and out as fast as possible so they can seat more people and get more tips. In Rome, Italy it is just the opposite. For the most part it is actually nice. I never feel rushed or like I have to give up my seat the second I am done with my meal. It creates a much more relaxed dining experience, and you can really enjoy your time in the restaurant. On the other hand though I have found that I am ready to leave or in a bit of a rush and it is very hard to get things moving along. In light of the situation it really does make you sit and relax while dining. It almost forces you to converse with your peers which is really nice. Another instance where I have felt cultural confrontation would have to be the lack of air conditioning. I have a thirty-minute walk to school up lots and lots of stairs. When I get to school I have already broken a sweat and then just continue to sweat while trying to learn. In the early weeks at night time in my apartment I would have to sleep with an wet wash cloth on my head it was so hot. I would definitely say this has made me appreciate having windows and fresh air a lot. It is now a lot cooler outside but I still like to keep the windows open for the fresh air which I would never do back home in America.
-Lauren Noonan
Rome, Italy