The Leaning Tower, it's a Pisa Work
The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa is something that everyone has to see when they come to Italy- but it is solely just for the picture. Tourists take over this part of the city. Take a step through the big wall separating the city and the monuments, and prepare to be immediately surrounded by vendors selling Pisa memorabilia. It's actually a pretty funny sight. Yes, the monuments are breathtaking, but people watching might be even better. Every single person is trying to get just the right angle. Some are posing from the ground, others are standing on top of the pillars, and some people are even jumping just to get the perfect timing. It's inevitable that there will be people in the background of your picture, and you may even be asked to be in someone's picture! In my case, a group of tourists asked us to be in a picture with them, so three of my friends and I may be found posing with thumbs up in front of Pisa on a random couples' Facebook album. If you're thinking about taking a trip to Pisa, make it a day trip. It's a great sight to see, but no need to stay the night because there isn't much else to stay for. All of the gift shops are the same, filled with magnets, postcards, t-shirts, and anything you can think of with Pisa placed on it. My advice? Get your pictures, grab a pizza, and sit and watch everyone else trying to get just the right angle, because it truly is a Pisa work.
Learning To Live Like Locals
At 19 years old, I am lucky enough to say that I have been to Europe twice. However, the two times that I have traveled here are completely different experiences. My age is one factor of course, because I consider myself a lot more mature and fashionable now than at 14. In addition, when I first went to Europe I came as a tourist, and this time I came as a student. Yes, I still do a lot of the touristy things like going to see all the historical monuments and sounding like an idiot whenever I try ordering something in Italian. But, I also get to do the everyday things that not a lot of other people visiting Italy get to do. Since I am living here for five weeks, I actually have the chance to interact with locals, whether that be at the supermarket or going to our favorite panini place every afternoon.
The first time I traveled to Europe, my family and I visited Florence, Siena, Rome, and Venice. The museums, restaurants, and views were amazing, but we did not stay in one place for too long, three days at the most. We experienced all the big group tours, and rushed from place to place in order to see it all. My family and I were the stereotypical tourists from America- cameras and phones out, talking loudly, and definitely not fitting in with Italian fashion. I mean, I wore Nike shorts and graphic tees while strolling the streets of Florence. Now- I would never.
I did not really appreciate the architecture, art, and culture that I saw when I was a moody pre- teen. I could only think about the heat and how I could not wait to sit down. That still stands true- the heat stays unbearable and my feet always hurt- but I appreciate the beauty of what I continue to experience so much more than I did as a young teen. Even on my five minute walk to class, I try my best to take in my surroundings, and every day I realize something new. A new fruit stand, new artist on the street, new cobblestone cracks. But I also realise what has not changed. Every day we go to the same panini place, Antico Noe, and see our regular panini guy. Every day we pass the same flower shop on the corner. Every day we settle into our routine, but still continue learning.
Two weeks into living here it still amazes me to wake up to the arches of Ciompi, and the local Italians riding to work on their bikes. Just below my apartment are shops and bakeries- something I would have never imagined could be my everyday life. Life goes so slow here, people take their time unlike the hustle and bustle of America. I learn something new every day through the locals I interact with, such as the guest speakers in the classroom or people I see on the street. My friends and I stay together, eat together, and learn together, all in the most beautiful place- learning to live like locals.
Italian Pizza vs American Pizza: Who wins?
Many cultures are centered around food. Meals with family and friends are valued to high standards in both American and Italian households. However, many differences are apparent when it comes to the ways meals go about in these different cultures.
Even though Americans value time spent with family at dinner time, breakfast and lunch seem to be more on the go. Fast food in America shows how fast-paced the American lifestyle acts when balancing time.
In Italy however, each meal takes time. Dinner can be on average three hours, and it takes what feels like years to get the check. Other than the time difference, another big change remains surprisingly- pizza. Many people don’t realize that Italian pizza and American pizza are pretty different, but determining the better pizza stays for you to decide.
In America, ordering pizza happens at get-togethers, such as sleepovers or watching a game. Getting two large pizzas from Dominos can be perfect for a group of 6-8 people. The sharing aspect brings people together- which also makes it easier to order, rather than figuring out what every individual person wants. In restaurants, the big cheesy pizza sits in the center of the table and people grab however many pieces they desire. People nicely ask others to “pass a piece”, which brings the table together as one big family.
However, in Italy, I have only seen personal pizzas. Each person orders whatever kind they want, and they each get a little pizza of their own. They look like a pretty decent size, definitely enough to fill you up. But the community aspect of this food does not really stand out in this culture. To me, it seems odd because everyone has a personal pie- but they don’t split checks in Italy. It makes it easier not having to worry about deciding on what kind of pizza for the whole group, since everyone can get what they want. So if you’re picky, personal pizzas are perfect for you.
The cheese also remains a big factor when looking at these pizzas. In America, the pizza consists of all cheese. While in Italy, the pizza consists of all sauce. Little white mozzarella balls can be found splattered across an array of dark red marinara sauce. The cheese tastes exquisite, soft and savory which then melts in your mouth- can’t get any better than fresh mozzarella. But in my opinion, the Italian pizza could use a little more of it. In America, the pizza consists of layers on layers of cheese and garlic. Greasier for sure- feels like an oil spill on your face after digging into an American pizza.
Another big factor in determining the best pizza is the crust. In America, you usually have the choice of thick or thin crust pizza. Here, I have yet to see thin crust pizza. But thick crust here does not taste like the thick crust in America. Italian crust comes out thick but also light and airy. Some people think it comes from the water, and that’s why the crust in Italy stays so voluminous. Sometimes even rumored that pizza places in New York City get water shipped from Italy, just to get the best crust.
In the United States, pizza is considered a heavy meal. American pizza can be found typically stacked with thick heavy crust and loads of cheese. But Italian pizza remains fresh, authentic, and made just for you.
