FRASCATI, ITALY — Regional DivideThe North/South tensions prevalent in America can also be found more or less for similar reasons in Italy. Apparently, the lackadaisical lifestyle of Southern Italians is viewed less favorably by Northerners, who make no secret of their contempt for lazy Southerners.Sound familiar?In fact, Siesta — the equivalent of a daily “nap time,” in my understanding — is major part of Italian daily life.TransportationMore often than not, buses and trains were on time, but there was still frequent unreliability and dependence brought on by public transportation. This stark contrast with American culture was perhaps the largest downside of European culture. But with gas prices in Europe sometimes almost triple the cost of American gasoline, there is no alternative.FoodOf course, one can’t speak of Italy without mentioning the food. While the Italians are famous for their culinary talents — and rightfully so — it goes without saying that their restaurants lack American variety.Further, air conditioning and ice were rare in many restaurants, and because Italian servers rely on salaries rather than tips, dining out usually involved poorer service than that found in American restaurants.But not to belittle the amazing Italian cuisine and culture, one major aspect of Italian life that might never catch on in America is health and fitness.Stereotypes”You can charge it. You’re American.”This pervasive stereotype of the American consumer was a common marketing tool for Florentine market salesmen and the single most insulting thing I’d heard since I’d been in Italy.But stereotypes wouldn’t be stereotypes if they weren’t true. I charged a brand new leather jacket — one that I might wear twice — to my credit card and was out the door.He was a hell of a salesman.  Daniel Lumetta is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Metairie.
 
 
—–Contact Daniel Lumetta at [email protected]