Gentle Readers,
When I first moved to Italy, I expected to be wowed by the stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and world-famous cuisine. What I didn’t anticipate was how much I would change—both inside and out. From my wardrobe to my attitude towards food, here are ten surprising lessons I’ve learned since trading in my old life for la dolce vita.
1. Personal Style Overhaul
Goodbye, jeans as my everyday go-to. Hello, skirts, dresses, and heels! Italy has completely transformed my wardrobe. I’ve swapped out fast fashion for timeless pieces that exude elegance. Scarves are now a staple, and I’ve embraced the art of dressing with purpose—choosing quality over trends every time.
2. Italian Language Journey
Learning Italian has been an adventure of its own. While I’m not yet fluent, I can now hold conversations without frantically searching for my phone. Each day, I get a little better, and it’s incredibly rewarding to connect with locals in their native tongue.
3. The Joy of Cooking
Before Italy, cooking felt like a chore. Now, it’s a passion. I’ve mastered a range of Italian dishes and discovered the joy in the simple act of preparing a meal. The best part? Sharing it with friends and family.
4. Ordering Like a Local
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to order food like a true Italian. For example, in the mountains, you’ll want to skip the pasta with fish sauce—go for a hearty pasta al ragù instead. It’s all about understanding the culinary landscape.
5. Wine Wisdom
Italian wine isn’t just about red for meat and white for fish. I’ve learned to choose wines by region rather than price, appreciating the unique flavors each area has to offer. Trust me, the right bottle from the right region makes all the difference.
6. The Bidet Revelation
I never thought I’d say this, but I’ve become a huge fan of the bidet. It’s so ingrained in my routine now that when I travel, if there’s no bidet, a shower is a must after certain bathroom visits.
7. Coffee Rules: A Love-Hate Relationship
If you’re a coffee lover, Italy is heaven—unless you break the unwritten rules. For me, the strict etiquette has only deepened my distaste for coffee. I’ll stick to my tea, grazie.
8. Pasta and Pizza Pet Peeves
Living in Italy has turned me into a bit of a food purist. I cringe at the sight of people breaking spaghetti and the mere thought of pineapple on pizza makes me want to run the other way.
9. Embracing an Active Lifestyle
With all the pasta, bread, and gelato, staying fit is non-negotiable. I’ve embraced running and walking more, not just to keep the extra kilos at bay, but because it’s a great way to soak in the beauty of my surroundings.
10. Speaking Up
Perhaps one of the most significant changes has been learning to speak my mind. Italy has taught me to be more assertive, to express my opinions without hesitation—a skill I’ll carry with me no matter where life takes me next. Italians tend to revel in ignorance when it comes to other races, cultures and countries and so I have been someone who corrects any misconceptions immediately.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Italy has been more than just a change of scenery; it’s been a transformation of my entire lifestyle. From fashion to food, and even my outlook on life, this journey has shaped me in ways I never expected. If you ever find yourself in Italy, be prepared—this country has a way of changing you, one delicious meal and stylish outfit at a time.