Top 10 ways to experience Italy like a local
In Italy, there is one correct way to do everything. Yes, you may think you have a better way, that the way things are done do not seem logical, or realize that it’s not how things are done at home.
None of that matters because you are talking about hundreds, if not thousands of years of history behind the ways of Italian life.
You won’t change them during your short stay, but you can embrace them.
Locals are likely to take one look at you and know you’re a tourist. So if you want to disregard everything below, go ahead – it’s your vacation and it is all about enjoying yourself.
BUT if you’d like to experience a slice of living as the Italians do, here are my top 10 ways to experience Italy like a local:
1. Consume a typical Italian breakfast of cappuccino and a brioche, or something else sweet to start the day. A brioche is a sweet pastry that looks like a croissant, but tastes neither like a croissant nor French brioche bread. It is a slightly different but equally delicious pastry, and can come plain (“empty”) or filled with marmalade, cream, chocolate, or other fruit/nut fillings.
2. Avoid cappuccino past mid morning, or around 10/10:30am. The acceptable post-lunch and dinner coffees are either an espresso or a caffè macchiato (espresso with a touch of foamed milk on top).
3. Have bottled water at each of your meals. Drinking tap water is just not done. Your decision is between acqua naturale (still water) and acqua frizzante or acqua gassata (both different ways of saying sparkling water).
4. Eat on an Italian schedule on the late side, especially for dinner. If you want to experience the dining scene in Italy like a local, adjust your schedule to match theirs. Many restaurants do not open until at least 7:30pm for dinner, but you won’t see Italians at that hour. Wait until 8:30pm or later to be eating with the Italians, and tide yourself over in the meantime by enjoying an aperitivo somewhere.
5. If you’re ready to leave a restaurant, request the check: il conto, per favore. They will almost never bring you the check unless you ask. It’s not considered bad service, just being polite. If you want to truly experience Italy like a local, take a cue from the natives, and linger for a long time, enjoying the company of those around you. And maybe even a digestivo, some grappa or limoncello to help you to digest smoothly.
6. Blow-dry your hair before venturing out. Italians do not leave the house with their hair wet. It is another one of those things that is just not done.
7. Save your flip flops for the seaside. Everything has its place. Flip flops (or thongs, for the Aussies) are beach shoes, and only city shoes are worn in the city. If you want to feel as if you’re blending in, this one is key!
8. Save your gym clothes for the gym, too. Unless someone is actually running for exercise, you almost never see anyone on the street in workout attire. Locals walk into the gym looking impeccable, work out, shower, blow-dry their hair, and exit also looking impeccable.*
9. Stick to what food combinations are recommended. The one correct way to do something extends to food as well. Usually there is one or a small few acceptable pasta shape and sauce combinations, and a seasonal or daily menu is always a good bet. If you’re not sure what is recommended, ask. The Italians want you to experience Italy like a local (they do think it’s the best way, after all!) so will be happy to guide you along.
10. Venturing to the market? Ask for advice at each stall to get the best product being offered (and don’t touch the produce yourself either). Market vendors are just as particular as other Italians. I’ve tried to buy a certain type of apple once and had it switched out for another when the person helping me found out I was using it to bake. Or buying porcini mushrooms, I had parsley thrown in the order automatically because obviously that is what I would need to cook the mushrooms with the proper flavors.
Remember that when locals try to steer you in a different direction, they have your best interests at heart and want you to get maximum enjoyment – it’s up to you to listen!
*this is the only item on this list I don’t follow regularly, but I sure look out of place on my brief walk to and from the gym.
Are there any questions about the Italian way of life that I haven’t answered yet? Let me know in the ‘Comments’ below.
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