From India to Italy: Culture Shocks!

I read this article and it was interesting to see how India has changed! Seems to have taken its cues from America. I grew up In India, and there was never ice in water (and Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine, definitely advises against it). And after-lunch siesta: you will find that traditionally many hot countries had this, including India – stores weren’t closed, but you could see a lot of people asleep on their rickshaw or whatever. In hot places, the mid-day sun is tiring and its easier to work earlier or later in the day when its cooler. Espresso by the counter, well that’s because its a pick-me-up: down the hatch and off they go. I am glad to learn that at least coffee culture is still a thing. Honestly I think i am going to have a culture shock when I go back to India to visit, ha!

Ha, ha it’s like you’ve read all of my thoughts, although I’m from Australia (with Italian parents)!

I still get stared at here in Cosenza as I always feel underdressed, I just laugh it off these days, and yes, 4inch heals to grocery shop is the ‘norm’ here in the south also… 😉

Yeah I find the whole ice thing a bit weird – drives me crazy!

Hahaha. That dressing according to weather or season is sometimes annoying me. But yes, whenever we travel to Italy, I always make sure that we dress well (if not better) than the Italians because in my observation, they look down (especially) at Asians. Maybe because there are so many Asian domestic helpers. I love bags and I went inside a shop last summer, told the sales lady I want to buy the bag on display. She said it’s not for sale. I told her there is a price tag on it. She still refused to sell it to me. Did I look like I don’t deserve the bag? I went to the brand’s boutique shop (Twin Set by Simona Barbieri) and although I paid full price on it, I got the bag I wanted and went back to the other shop and waved my new bag to the same saleslady and told her, “Your bag will never be sold!” In The Netherlands, you can be charged for racism for refusing a customer. And how many times did we go back to a shop to find out if they are already open? They open late in the mornings and then take a long break. No wonder Italy’s economy is not competitive with northern Europe. The “Don’t touch the vegetables” is really ridiculous. We always see chefs on tv go to markets and touch and smell the produce they cook. That’s what they tell you to do. Here in NL, I’ve ended up buying some rotten fruits in open markets because I am not allowed to touch them. I only now shop in the supermarkets where you can touch, smell, choose and weigh them yourself. Like you, I still love Italy despite the unpleasant experiences. Cheers!

Amen to all of these culture shocks! They are small, quirky and downright weird at first, but you do get used to them!

The afternoon naps thing I never understood, but am secretly in love with the idea. It feels so non-adult to just take break from the work-day and doze. 😁

Do you like India?

Oh yes closed shops in the middle of the day have left me hungry on my first student trips to Italy.. Ferragosto is when all the Italians descend on Croatian coast for their holidays so can’t complain about that… 😁

I enjoyed reading this post, because of every bit of it is true! Now the ice part…I was just gonna say that I also find that very strange. In the Philippines, we put ice in almost everything! Haha! It’s my first time to experience such INTENSE dry heat in Italy (I am dying), and I am stocking up on ICE.
Also, I love what one of your readers said about staring back when people stare! Lemme try that one out! Oh, and when someone asks me “where I’m from” I’ll make sure to ask, “where are YOU from?” LOL

The other thing about clothing is the “what if” scenario. The most deeply-rooted fear of many Italians is to be cold, that’s why you’ll see people with a sweater even on a summer night when the thermometer won’t even dare going below 25 and mosquitos are as big as helicopters. Because… what if is there a draft? That, and an irrational fear of air conditioning, especially at night. I’ve now lived in the UK for years, in places where it’s normal to see people stepping off a Bentley dressed like The Dude in the Big Lebowski, and it’s a custom I’ve adhered to; but when I visit home it’s incredible how underdressed I am… I really admire your observation skills for Italy’s idiosyncrasies, they’re all spot on!

Hi Ishita, I laughed when I read these as I agree with every one of them. When I ask for ice in my vino bianco, they are horrified. NO matter though, don’t we just love everything Italian. Lyn

Ha, ha! A good list, Ishita! The shutting down in the afternoon is still the thing I have the most trouble getting used to. Second, not being able to pick your own fruits and vegetables (although that isn’t everywhere, but make sure you use those plastic gloves in the grocery store!). And as for the staring, I say, stare right back!

The coffee at the counter thing was strange to me too. And having to pay extra if you want to sit and have your coffee at a table.

All great points Ishita! We touch, thump, smell, shake our produce here as well. I saw a poor tourist reach out to grab a peach once at a very small little shop, she got her hand swiped away by the proprietor! I will also add the idea of once you are seated in a restaurant, there is no ‘time limit’, it doesn’t matter if there are people waiting for a table, take your time!, and you will not see your server again once your food has been served. I cannot get used to this, mostly I suppose, because I don’t like sitting around once I am finished eating. I want to get up and go.

I used to live in Europe and what you’re describing is pretty common almost everywhere (except wardrobe differences). I enjoyed the August slowdown. 🙂