For example, a pizza in Italy can cost 10.00 euros, or 11.40 U.S. dollars. When I look at prices here in Italy, I always make sure to remember that it actually costs a bit more than it seems at first glance. For something like a pizza, there is not much of a difference. But if I see a sweater I want to buy for 100 euros, it is actually costing me 114 U.S. dollars.
Here in Italy, a bottle of water costs only 1 euro (which is about 1.14 U.S. dollars). In general, things in Italy are not too expensive. Since Italy is a country poular with tourists, things are much more expensive in the popular cities like Rome and Florence than in more rural areas. For instance, in Rome, I found one water bottle brand that cost 5 euros! The prices of things differ greatly from region to region, although the cost of living is less expensive than it is in Switzerland.
The best meal that I had this week was on the first day of my trip in Sicily. When I arrived, the weather was cold and rainy. I was looking for a good meal to warm me up. I found a small restaurant called Mangia e Bevi, which means 'Eat and Drink' in Italian. I started with an appetizer that I have never had before called Cacio alla sfinzione. It was a dish of warm Italian cheese similiar to mozzarella. The chef then covered the dish with tomato sauce (with lots of garlic) and breadcrumbs. When it arrived at my table, the food was still warm and bubbling. It was the perfect way to start my trip!
