A cultural difference between Italy and the USA
I know, I know, that the US is so large that what I am about to tell you doesn’t apply to all Americans. But it seems to us that many of our US friends are not so used to constantly walking from one place to another, because in America you pretty much always have to drive whether to go to the market, the dentist, or to a bar to meet friends.
So if you're planning a visit to Italy, I thought it would be interesting to point out some cultural differences between those more accustomed to being behind the wheel, and life in a European city center.
I recently helped a young lady who was looking for an apartment in the centre of Florence for 40 days while attending school right by Piazza Santa Croce. Unfortunately in high season and last minute, many of the apartments close to the school had already been rented. So I displayed all those apartments I thought were best for quality, price and location that were still available for her - one of which was 10 minutes walking distance.
I was shocked to hear that 10 minutes was too far to walk! Especially in a city where you can walk from one side to the other in 20 minutes time. Life in Florence, as in many European cities, requires an open mind when considering getting from place to place. Locals are used to parking a little outside the city and walking 10 minutes to their office or to a friend's house.
In Florence we ride scooters, motorbikes and bikes, but we also walk almost everywhere in the centre. Because that is one of the most beautiful things you can do (and because it is more convenient then other means of transportation). It is beautiful because everywhere around you the city smells of art. Because the sights are wonderful, the streets, the building, and even if I have seen it all over thousand times, I still love it like it was the very first day. I kind of asked myself.. why would a foreigner want to come to Florence, if not for living, breathing, seeing the beauty of the city, even in the every day life.
Anyway, we just wanted to let you know that when you come here, walking is part of the experience!
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By Admin Apartments Florence (9/10/2010 11:38:41 AM, in Living & Working in Florence, read 439 times)
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