Before leaving Italy, I asked myself how American people act in real life as the average Italian person’s knowledge about Americans is quite ridiculous: all we know is from tv shows, films and music.
When i first arrived to JFK airport in New York City, I was welcomed by the ex-President Barack Obama’s video, talking about this beautiful country, about opportunities, the beauty of nature and traditions. The focus of his speech was, however, the attitude of U.S. citizens. “The most friendly people in the world” he said. At the beginning of my trip, I wasn’t convinced at all.
At the customs inspection I had a first preview of american attitudes. The immigration officer was extremely serious and dutiful looking, but just for the first 30 second of the “test”; when he finished he just smiled at me and cordially said “Welcome to the U.S.”
I actually had some little problem at the airport with finding a way to reach Philadelphia, but any single person I met in my intercity travel was extremely likely to help me make a call, find the right way and, with explaining things more than one time because of my limited English knowledge.
When I reached Philly at night, I met a guy my same age hanging around the Greyhound station, I asked him for bus information and he just walked with me to the stop. When I arrived at Fairmount Avenue, I finally found my airBnB managed by the sweet Naomi and her funny boyfriend, Brendan.
Right now, I have lived with them for a week and I came to understand how willing, gentle and open-minded they are; i build a friendship with them and i’m probably going to share the house with them and another italian guy for the rest of my time in this beautiful city.
People all around are kind, i have an injured shoulder and at Whole Foods, in the pharmacy or just in the street, a lot of people shared with me their similar experience. “Hope the best for you” “Don’t worry, everything will be alright”, “You got this!” and other expressions like this can make the difference in the day-to-day life. I really appreciate that.
When going out for happy hour or clubbing, I had really good vibes. Carlos is a guy from El Salvador who has lived in Philadelphia since he was little and loves to travel; he showed us how to get the best from Phildelphia’s nightlife, from bars to the best cheesteaks in town.
Most of the people are positive, open-minded, not intrusive and totally respectful. U.S. citizens respect other people, other beliefs and are law-abiding, even in informal situations and I really like that they know how to walk in another’s shoes, understanding their needs and feelings.
I wish that foreign citizens of the world coming to Italy have the same treatment I have had in this week, and that Italians would treat the people in their county with the same respectful attitude.