Italy in Summer '08.?

Question

During the summer of 2008 i'm going to be studying abroad in Italy. The way it looks right now is half the summer will be in Florence while the other half in Rome. I was thinking doing the first half in Florence because it is a smaller city and I could get used to being in another country (from the US) before going to Rome. Does this seem like a good idea? By this time I will have 2 years of Italian under my belt so hopefully I will fit in well. I know Italians are really big into shoes, do you think I will stick out because I am more of the skater/surfer type? And I don't know if I'd ever wear loafers. Also what do Italians drink (alcohol wise)? And does anyone know how many euros alcohol will cost? Haha i'm not an alcoholic just a college student.

Answer 1

Yes, I think going to Florence first is a good idea. As for shoes and dress code, don't worry... most people your age only wear snickers anyway, and the skater type is becoming quite trendy in Italy... so you'll be cool!
As for Alcohol...we drink more wine than in the US, but we also drink beer. Getting drunk is usually seen as a sign of weakness in Italy: if you go to a party and get wasted, people will consider you a fool.The good thing is you can buy alcohol in any grocery store/supermarket, and it costs much less than in the States:
Beer: starting from 50 Euro cents a can
Wine: starting From 1.50 Euro a bottle (if you want decent wine, plan on spending at least 2.50 )
Liquor: anywhere from 7.50 to 120 Euros or more (for a good cognac, for example) depending on what you buy!

Answer 2

Hi Jake,,,,

Look pardner,, your going to another country. You dress and act like they do, get shoes or you may Not get into a disco, or a decent resturante..
There are at least 5000 American students in Florence all the time. I go there at least 3 times a year thru my work.. I can spot most of the Americans a mile away, because they dont have any manners,, and thats Not a good thing..
Also, it makes them easier to pick out for all the Pickpockets and purse snatchers and that includes , cameras and phones,, and backpacks...
Dress like they do, dont wear clothes that say God Bless America on it.. or SHORTS.. are a No No !!!
another thing to keep in mind, dress like a native italian, it may just keep you from being kidnapped my friend !!! Think about it,, ,5000 American students make a jucy target !!!

if you need more info.. contact me!!

good luck

Answer 3

IF YOU NEED A IDEA IN ROME ONE IS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WHERE KILLED