The phrase that kept coming to mind throughout the trip was: “This ain’t Texas.” And not just because Texas has a reputation for doing everything bigger. The comparison highlights how different life feels in Europe—where everything tends to be smaller, simpler, and more resource-conscious. Sure, I expected smaller cars and narrower roads. But I didn’t realize how pervasive the scale difference would be in almost every part of daily life. For example, I couldn’t find a single gallon of fresh milk at the grocery stores—something that would be unheard of for a family back home in the U.S. accustomed to weekly runs to warehouse clubs for bulk buying. Instead, shopping in Italy felt designed around buying for the day—or maybe two. Groceries are fresher, portions are more controlled, and most people make frequent trips to smaller markets rather than stocking up for the week. While the quality of food was amazing and undeniably fresher (which certainly elevated our meals), the frequency of shopping felt more time-consuming and, in some ways, more expensive. It was a stark contrast to the convenience-first, consumer-driven rhythm we’re used to in the States. But here’s the thing: despite the cultural adjustments, this didn’t negatively impact our experience at all. If anything, it opened my eyes to how different values shape our everyday choices. In the U.S., convenience and abundance often win out, while in Europe, intentionality and quality seem to take the lead. This trip reminded me that there’s no single “right” way to live—just different rhythms and trade-offs. While I’m not giving up my Costco runs anytime soon, I’m returning with a renewed appreciation for slowing down, savoring fresh meals, and maybe even taking a few more walks to the store. Our month in Italy was more than a vacation—it was a reset, a learning experience, and a reminder of how perspective changes when you stay long enough to see the ordinary things that make life… different.
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