When In Rome...Do As the Romans Do?

The topic of this post is the differences I have realized thus far between Rome and Conklin (well besides the obvious):

1. Italy has NO ice. I didn't think this would be such a big deal, but I have, on many different occasions, missed ice more than I miss Sarah. So if anyone wants to mail me an ice cube tray I would love you forever.

2: There is dog poop on every sidewalk. Owners do not pick up after their precious fido once he is done doing his business. Something I learned after stepping in a pile the first night.

3:  You have to pay for water when you go to a restaurant. You also have to clarify that you want still water.

4: If you have a dog on a leash, you can't get in trouble for sleeping outside. Therefore, every homeless person in Rome has a dog.

5: Open containers are allowed in public places (i.e. the subway, walking down the street, etc.) but my Italian teacher told the class that the only people who actually take advantage of this rule are Americans and the homeless.

6: Bars in Italy are not the same as bars in America, bars have cappuccinos and sandwiches, a PUB has alcohol. life lesson.

7: Do not smile at people you don't know. They will either A: look at you weird, or B: be creepy men who then make kissy noises at you as you walk by.

8: Pedestrians do not have the right-of-way. ever.

9: Being a single American girl is not a bad thing. When going out to eat the waiter will give you free champagne, a bowl of strawberries, and then ask for your number. 

10: They have horse meat at the grocery store, right next to the beef stakes. There are no words to describe how grossed out I was. 

This is just the beginning. I am sure there will be more culture-shock stories to come :)