Author Archives: Natalie

How Italy Sees the World

Americans aren’t exactly known for their geographical knowledge. But, being an international student, studying international development, I thought it was time to brush up on my country-finding skills.  I went to a very large, very modern bookstore in Rome to buy a world map: As I struggled to hold up the map alone and tape […]

Cigarette Vending Machines?

Here’s an easy example of something you would NEVER see in America, cigarette vending machines: I was quite confused the first time someone hurried by me and ran up to a closed shop door.  Then I noticed the machine integrated into the metal shutter of the shop.  Unmonitored cigarette machines would never fly in America, […]

But… You Have a Blemish!

Subtlety and sarcasm seem to be seriously lacking in the Italian language.  Even the sales approach is straight to the point.  Luckily for Italian salespeople, I’m usually so caught off guard by their directness that I end up buying whatever it is they’re selling. Case in point: Sephora Rome Due to Alitalia’s baggage limits, I […]