by Rachel Northrop, New York University

1. There is always someone taking a picture of the Duomo, even at two in the morning when it’s raining.

2. You can plug in your ‘car.’

3. The wall along Via Ricasoli is covered in graffiti from people waiting in line to see the David.

4. People don’t look twice at a smart car.

5. The McDonald’s on Cavour is in a building that is older than the US.

6. People actually say ciao bella and mean it.

7. When ever someone gives directions it’s always ‘right by the Duomo.’

8. There are whole blocks of the streets that are designated as ‘motorino parking’ areas- and all of the motorinos parked there are angled in the same direction.

9. The sciopero is announced beforehand and takes time for a lunch break.

10. Grown men shamelessly cover themselves in purple jerseys and scarves and sing at the top of their lungs.

11.  People ask for ‘una fotohopia’ and call me ‘la amerihana.’

12.  The mannequins’ outfits in the display windows change at least once a week.

13. You can buy cigarettes (and condoms) from vending machines.

14. Motorino drivers have a conversation on their cell phones (which are wedged into their helmets) and smoke while they swerve in between buses.

15. There are gigli on all of the sewer grates.

16. When you walk past a pelleteria the smell of leather wafts into the street.

17. There is always a small crowd of people in front of the lamporedotto stand.

18. The street cleaners’ brooms are made from sticks.

19. Metro, City, and Leggo are all free.

 20. The view of the Arno from the Ponte Vecchio never gets old.