09.29.05
Things that are different in Italy – Part 1
A lot of people ask us to describe what it’s like living in Italy. Since it’s a Western country like the US, there are a lot of similarities. But there are a lot of differences as well. I’m going to try and post a list every now and then of some things that I have noticed.
Household Things That Are Different in Italy
- Utility bills come every two months, and are usually paid at the post office, where you can also have a bank account.
- Only one major appliance (oven, dishwasher, washing machine) can be run at a time. More than that blows the fuse.
- Most apartments have radiators for heat.
- Windows have roll down shutters built in which, when completely rolled down, can block almost all light coming in.
- The biggest wattage light bulb is 40 W.
- Air conditioning is a very new thing in Italy. A few homes and businesses have it.
- Italians use â…“ of the energy that Americans use.
- Breakfast is very light, perhaps an espresso and a pastry. Lunch isn’t until 1:00 at the earliest and is sometimes a bigger meal than dinner, which isn’t until 7:30 or 8:00.
- A gallon of fresh, pasteurized milk costs around $4.80. Except that it’s sold by the liter since we use the metric system.
- Ground beef costs about $2 per pound.
- Most bathrooms have an “emergency” buzzer that makes a loud sound when you press it, or when you pull a cord attached to it. We’re still not really sure why!
- Italians also use bidets. If you’re not sure what a bidet is, I’ll give you a hint: they’re next to the toilet, have a faucet attached, and sometimes replace toilet paper. And we aren’t brave enough to use ours yet!
- Many apartments have tile floors, since marble (which is plentiful in Italy) is much cheaper than wood (which must be imported). Carpet is very rare.
- Very few people have clothes dryers. All clothes are hung outside to dry.
OK, there’s a sampling of random things. I’ll be adding more differences in the next few days. Feel free to post comments or questions!