Ciao-batta

As a study abroad student from Texas, I don’t have any previous experience using or hearing the word “ciao” . When I think of ciao, I’m taken to my favorite panini shop. A small yet popular place filled with delicious aromas and hungry customers. As an American, I am taught to wave when I greet people and enter stores, so when I say ciao, I wave involuntarily. Children here in Italy are taught to wave when the leave stores according to my professor. I still am a bit sheepish when using this greeting, but I still try my best. During the time I spent buying sandwiches, I quickly learned how often ciao is used. Ciao is the essence of everyday life; it’s everywhere from hellos , to goodbyes, to being on a phone, to placing order, and so on. Ciao!