Ruth Orkin - American Girl in Italy
This photo is hanging up in my older cousin’s house. I just love it because it is timeless, yet mythical.
Growing up books, movies, and articles in magazines and blogs romanticize the American girl’s experience in Italy; Italian men love American girls, so you will meet one that will sweep you off your feet.
Although Italians are a very warm, hospitable people, and there are many great Italian men, there are some that are just obnoxious (i.e. 18 year old boys on the main street Sorrento - don’t tell us you’re 20 and please go away). In Sorrento, my study abroad friends and I got plenty of unwanted attention simply because the locals could tell we were tourists. To top it off, they can easily tell if you’re American. That’s a recipe for plenty of stares and “Ciao, bella,” comments. And most of them are not from anyone remotely resembling Riccardo Scamarcio (see post below).
Overall, I just love this photo. It is timeless, but it also reminds me of my preconceived thoughts of Italy and my actual experience.
