Rachael Sullivan, an American from Tampa, Florida, currently residing in Florence, Italy, recently shared a TikTok video detailing how to identify fellow Americans abroad. Drawing from her experiences, Sullivan outlined four key signs:
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Giant Water Bottles: According to Sullivan, Americans are easily recognizable by their large water bottles, such as the popular Stanley cup, which Italians typically do not carry.
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Coffee and Pastry Habits: She notes that Italians prefer to enjoy their coffee and pastries on-site rather than taking them to go. Americans, however, often carry these items with them.
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Walking Pace: Americans tend to walk significantly faster and with a greater sense of urgency compared to Italians.
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Leaning: Sullivan observed that Americans commonly lean on things when standing, a behavior she associates with a sense of laziness, contrasting with Italians who tend to stand upright.
The video, posted under her TikTok username @rachaelsulli_, has garnered various reactions. Viewers shared additional signs, such as loud volume, wearing baseball caps, chewing gum, and insisting on ice in drinks. Sullivan encouraged viewers to contribute their own observations in the comments.
This light-hearted take offers a glimpse into cross-cultural observations and interactions from the perspective of an American living abroad.