Being American, I have a tendency to travel places and assume everyone will: speak my language, wear what I wear, eat how and what I eat, care what I think, etc. After my first few weeks in Italy, one would assume I would have realized that is not the way the world works, wrong again.
This weekend I traveled to Bologna, Italy, with some girls. We were “shocked” with the amount of people and stores that did not speak English, and even more surprised when our train home on Sunday was cancelled and the office merely shrugged their shoulders at us. Little did we know, there was a strike scheduled for that Sunday until 9 pm. We had three trains cancelled and missed a bus, it was a long day.
In the states, we have a low tolerance for “inconveniences.” We expect refunds, notifications and apologies. We don't think companies have the right to cancel something they have organized (a fundraiser, flight, party, meeting), and they do. Americans want instant gratification, but we don't always deserve it. Especially in my case this past weekend, when my friends and I were, basically, insulting the Italians culture in the sense that we complain about "not knowing" the trains were cancelled, when they're blaring it [in Italian] over the loudspeaker, printing in the newspaper and posting it online. We simply do not take the time to learn their language, but we expect them to know ours so they can help us when we need directions, or, in this case, at a train station.
"No train for nine more hours?!"
"...I don't speak Italian."
"What do you mean we can't get our money back?"
American’s can be so illogical in our thinking it is embarrassing. It's no wonder why people think of Americans as pompous and entitled. And, not to completely dog on Americans, it is bad with other countries as well, but it is certainly time I learn I need to adapt to the European culture, not the other way around.
Something I have learned, is it's crucial to not only research, but also understand other countries…know the land you live. That rule goes for places you travel, also. My friends and I should have checked further into Bologna, that's for sure. We heard the slogan, "Eat your way through Bologna," and if you could see our cafeteria meals at school, you would know why we jumped on that train without a second look. But, that being said, that’s our American mindset at best; so often we jump on the first thing we see. For my first 10-day travel week, which is next week, I am doing research on anything I can. I am looking up weather, activities, restaurants, sites, customs, politics, economy, literally every thing. And now, I am even more excited for my trip, and feel confident that I am going to get the best experience I can, because I am prepared for what's ahead of me. As of Monday, I now have my laptop's homepage set as "ANSA," so I can watch for updates (ie: train strikes!) and keep tabs on current events.
Once and for all, I am making a vow to immerse myself in the cultures. I am going to practice my Italian phrases, express genuine gratitude to all the locals who gladly help me, and take advantage of all things I am blessed with…remembering the views, savoring every taste, listening to each sound, absorbing every minute. I am slowly realizing - yet again - I am not in Kansas anymore.
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