Expat experts say one of the worst things you can do when you move to a new country is constantly compare things from your home country to things in your new life.

And it is true. It is a recipe for despair.

Once I stopped let up on that, things got easier for me and I began understanding and appreciating the differences. That being said, there are some things I don’t think I’ll ever get used to – and here are three of them.

-  Not receiving mail
The Italian postal service is notoriously ineffective-packages are lost, misplaced or stolen on a regular basis and every expat I know has had at least one run-in with the mail system. Just over the last two months, I’ve had two packages from Amazon gone astray and a small package I sent never reach Rome. Packages are often held hostage in customs and the recipients are forced to pay a ransom to get them.

To combat this problem: I have asked people not to send me packages.

-  Walking into a doctor’s office and smelling smoke
A few years ago my hometown in Texas went smoke-free (no smoking inside buildings) and non –smokers like myself relished in our fresh air and clean lungs.

Not so much the case here in Italy.

Two days ago I went to the doctor’s office, walked under the sign that said “no smoking,” and was greeted inside by a wave of smoke.

To combat this problem: I have purchased a surgeon’s mask to wear when I am in public.

- Kids riding in the front seat – without a car seat
The first time I saw this, my mouth dropped ajar and I stared dumbfounded into the passing car. A one time thing? Oh, but no.

Children regularly ride in the front seat, oftentimes without a car seat and more than once I’ve ridden in the backseat, while a pint-size toddler took the front.

To combat this problem: I look away.

What are three things you will never get used to about your new country?

Cherrye Moore is a freelance writer and B&B owner living in Calabria, Italy. In addition to Affordable Calling Cards, she writes about living and traveling in Calabria at her website, My Bella Vita.

Photos from flickr: maxinnaberlin, marqez and Rebecca and Bernhard

Tags: Calabria, expat in italy, expat life, Getting Adjusted, Italy

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Great list! I especially relate to the not getting mail thing. When I lived in Argentina it was the same thing. I asked people not to send me packages. Luckily someone was always coming down to visit so I just had them load their suitcases for me.

My three things I’ll never get used to in Italy.

1. The whole thing about wearing a plastic glove at the supermarket when picking out produce. Italians seem to have no care in the world when it comes to handling raw meat and other such things, and cross-contaminating, but the vegetables…

2. Dating. I just don’t know how it works here! I’ll learn…

3. the fact that I’m here! Well, maybe I will eventually get used to that…

October 23, 2009    Rate Comment

Tina, I lol at the veggie comment. I don’t get that one, either! Very funny. I’ve never “dated” in Italy, but I hope you will tell us all about it! Sounds like an interesting topic!

October 23, 2009    Rate Comment

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