In 2021, Kacie Rose embarked on a transformative journey by relocating from New York to Italy, a move that has profoundly altered her view of community and culture. Currently residing in Florence with her fiancé, Dario—a chef she met during a solo trip back in 2018—Rose has embraced the Italian way of life while navigating its many cultural nuances.
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In an engaging conversation with PEOPLE, Rose reflected on her experiences, highlighting several surprising culture shocks she encountered upon her arrival. While the most significant adjustments included mastering the language and acclimatising to a slower-paced lifestyle, it was the smaller, everyday differences that truly caught her off guard. “There are these little funny culture shocks you wouldn’t think to Google,” Rose remarked, noting that the overall atmosphere of Italy starkly contrasts with the fast-paced existence she had known in New York.
One humorous incident occurred shortly after settling into her new home. It was Dario’s birthday, and Rose ventured to the local pharmacy in search of a birthday card. Expecting a selection akin to what she was used to in American chain stores, she was met with bewildered looks when she inquired about cards, as pharmacies in Italy generally do not stock such items. This realisation was a gentle reminder of the differences in retail culture between the two countries.
Undeterred by her earlier experience, Rose faced another challenge during her inaugural grocery shopping trip. In Italy, fruits and vegetables must be weighed and priced before approaching the checkout counter—an expectation she was unfamiliar with. “I packed up my groceries and went to the cashier, only to be met with confusion when I realised I hadn’t printed the price tags for the items,” she recalled. This led to an impromptu trip back to the produce section to rectify the situation, a task made even more complicated by her limited Italian at the time.
Beyond the small inconveniences, Rose identified a deeper cultural adjustment: learning to embrace interdependence. Previously accustomed to a fiercely independent lifestyle, she found that Italian culture encourages reliance on community. “I’m very independent, but I’ve had to learn to accept help from others, both familiar and strangers,” she explained. It was a tough lesson in vulnerability, underscoring the Italian ethos of communal support and assistance.
As she continued to settle into her new environment, Rose expressed that adapting to these differences has been a gradual process, one that she is still navigating. “I still learn something new every day, especially when I travel to different regions,” she said, citing recent discoveries about Tuscany’s unique dialect. “These small lessons keep me engaged and show me just how diverse Italy really is.”
In addition to documenting her personal experiences, Rose authored a book titled “You Deserve Good Gelato,” in which she delves into the contrasting ideologies between American and Italian lifestyles. She describes the American ‘hustle culture’—a relentless pursuit of success and material wealth—as fundamentally different from the Italian principle of “la dolce vita,” which prioritises happiness and wellbeing. “In the US, rest is often demonised, whereas in Italy, wellbeing takes centre stage,” she explained.
Rose attributes much of her favourite pastime in Italy to its food culture, which she believes beautifully embodies the spirit of community. “Food is deeply tied to family and communal experiences,” she said, noting how meals serve as not just sustenance but a way to connect with history and culture. “Sharing food is special, as it encompasses more than just the act of eating; it’s about creating meaningful memories with those we care about.”
For Kacie Rose, life in Italy has proven to be a delightful blend of new discoveries and personal growth. As she continues to embrace her surroundings and the cultural wealth Italy offers, she underscores the importance of connection and community in shaping her identity as an expat. Her journey is a testament to how immersing oneself in a new culture can lead to unexpected insights and lasting memories.