Different Cultures Italy versus the United States

Similarities Much of the popular music is the same Roots of words are similar –Dentist, aqua, bananas (ananas)

Italy: Miniaturized The cars are usually small, no SUV’s The streets are narrower Rooms in houses are smaller Coffee is smaller “twin” sized beds are smaller

Italian Density The coffee is more dense in Italy than US The cities are more compressed, because of smaller streets and compact houses The food is much lighter than US food but there is much, much more There are a lot of little cars, driving very close together

Feelings in Italy Much longer history of culture Better sense of identity Family values seem to take precedence Divorce seems much less common Hello’s are much more friendly Everything seems much more laid-back

Time People seem to get up earlier They also seem to stay out later at night Time is measured differently –24 hours vs AM/PM Free time is spent in the company of other people –Singing karaoke, playing football (which shoots the opposite way as American) Shops close for lunch time (about 1 – 3 hours)

Enrico Tosi vs. Perkiomen Students are allowed to smoke past the line Many more students, especially per class Students learn more languages It seems less cozy

Obvious Differences Many of the toilets are in the floor or don’t have seats. All have better flush power. Most colors are much bolder: in the house, clothing, linens –Reds, oranges, yellows The cities are less commercial Everything seems less focused on convenience Gas is much more expensive (£1.38/liter vs. £0.60/liter in USA or $3.05/gallon)