Grazie Michele! Food is the same here, lots of Italian restaurants but none remotely close to the original taste, as you said must be the ingredients. Not a problem, I cook a lot at home and I will make lasagna and cannoli for the neighbors
I consider myself honest, not rude. It is easy to come across emotional for Italians, a funny example is when I speak at the phone with my mom about weather, family and other ordinary things...when I hang up lots of Americans ask me "why was I arguing" hehehehe. We are just a little loud
I love the say "when in Rome..." so I will be gladly embrace the lifestyle and would never try to change a thing. I may notice differences, which doesn't mean complaining.
About being bored...bored is good! I come from a small fisherman village in Tuscany and the lack of attractions stimulates creativity in kids and true human relationships, which is great. I'll take a nice BBQ among friends over any club or overcrowded city event.
Ultimately, I hope people will be willing to get to know us (especially my kids) for our heart and always good intentions, and if I am too loud or too honest, here comes some nice Tiramisù and let's fuhgeddaboudit