Bar Paneburro

We went to the Paneburro bar in Bologna. The bar had inside and outside seating with a variety of coffee, food, and alcoholic choices. There was one bartender working with about six other patrons there as well. There were a couple patrons enjoying their coffee in the outdoor area, despite the cold weather.

There were some noticeable differences between an American coffee shop and the Italian bar. Interestingly, there were two slot machines in the back of the bar. When we asked the bartender about it, she said they were very popular. There were no people on laptops in the bar, the other patrons were socializing. Although our visit was around noon, there were a couple ladies who were enjoying wine in the back room. The bartender also said the most popular drink that people ordered was an espresso. There were some small containers containing sugar packets, but there wasn’t sweetener like you may find in America. We found it interesting that there was only one size for all the drinks and it was cheaper than coffee at home. For example, the cappuccino was $1.59 USD which is substantially cheaper than the options in the United States. Another interesting observation was that although people spoke broken or no English, the bars consistently played American music.

Going forward, it is important to keep in mind that culture influences every place in different countries. Somewhere as simple as a coffee shop is very different in Italy than it is in the United States. As we continue to experience new places, it is important to keep an open mind and be aware that every place is going to be different from what we are used to. Ordering in Italian was originally uncomfortable, but as I have practiced more it is rewarding to successfully place my order. When in a new country, you have to be able to step out of your comfort zone and be willing to experience the norms of different cultures. Fully immersing yourself in the new culture allows you to learn more and have a more meaningful experience.