There are bound to be some culture shocks when traveling to a foreign country. One of the biggest shocks for me in Italy was having to pay a cover charge per person when eating out at a restaurant. My study abroad group was only given meals for breakfast, so we ate out quite frequently, and the cover charges add up fast. Make sure to factor in the cover charge before you go and order big, because it is not a fun surprise! Another big shock was having to pay for water, even the tap water was not free. The heat is no joke, so it’s essential to stay hydrated during the day. However, the water does not come with ice cubes, and I do not find lukewarm water to be very refreshing at all. A great way to cool yourself down is to enjoy some delicious gelato from an authentic gelateria, not any of the tourist trap places. One easy way to tell if the gelato is good quality is by looking at the containers it is stored in. Typically, traditional gelato is not super colorful and is stored in metal containers. That means to avoid all the places with toppings galore. Interested in buying a leather purse? Well, I would recommend carrying around euros to bargain with street vendors. Most vendors are willing to negotiate the price. However, be warned: if you show interest in a purse, they will not leave you alone until the sale is complete. Aperitivo is a great way to ensure you’re not starving when dinner rolls around between 8:00 and 10:00 pm. It is also a great way to immerse yourself in Italian culture and soak it all in! All in all, Italy had its surprises, but I would not change a thing about my experience.