Bringing Italy Home--What do you do or think differently?

Simple, fresh food and spending time eating/drinking is one of life's great pleasures. We tend to make it too complicated and rushed in the US

Haven't bought a can of Folger's since we returned from our first trip to Italy in June, 1993. Have a bean grinder, a 17 year old expresso machine, and a reputation in the neighborhood for making the best expresso and capacinos. Have become a real coffe SNOB.

I'm enjoying reading this thread, one of the few instances of a philosophical/introspective discussion here, in addition to the usual nuts and bolts stuff.

As Terry mentioned, the question of why there are these big differences in (for want of the right word) "culture" between the US and Italy (or France, etc), this can be a very interesting thing to reflect on. Not just what the differences are, but why do they exist--when the US historically got a significant amount of its (call it) "cultural inheritance" from Western Europe.

I like your question! Traveling to Italy has made me much more aware of the ways in which life here in the US is different, in some surprising ways, from what appears to be the way of life in Italy. While I don't claim to know that I understand the "way of life" in Italy, traveling there inspired me to do some reading to try to better understand the differences.

One book in particular, though it's written in a humorous way, from which I learned was La Bella Figura by Beppe Severgnini.

I know that I still don't know the reasons why life here is so different than life in Italy, or France. But at least I can ask better questions!

Kent, the WHY question absolutely fascinates me. I endlessly read histories, biographies, essays and historical novels about European countries, trying to comprehend how their social and political histories shaped the national character of countries. Who we are as a nation is so strongly influenced by what generations before us experienced.

For my wife and I, we take time at the end of our work day to have a glass of wine, sit back and take a deep breath to reconnect with each other. We are also more aware of what we eat and try to eat only "whole" foods that are as fresh as possible. After experiencing a little of that lifestyle in Italy we are tryintg to "take Italy home with us".

I started taking Italian classes after my first visit to Italy so I could start conversations with locals on our next trip. It has made a huge difference. We're now planning our third trip, next year.

Elizabeth,

What an interesting question! It's also a very thought provoking question, and I'll need to ruminate on it for a while before answering.

While I find Italy frustrating sometimes, it's always a country I really look forward to getting back to. It has affected me in ways that I can't articulate at the moment.

One effect of Italy has been on my eating habits. I now have a much stronger preference for Italian food, and visit the local Italian restaurant here as much as possible. Even at home, I'll sometimes sit down with some Italian bread, dipping it in Olive Oil (extra vergine, of coure) and Balsamico di Modena, accompanied by a glass of Vino Rosso (preferably a nice Montepulciano d'Abruzzo or Chianti).

Something about Italy has prompted me to study the Italian language as well. I quite enjoy that and at this point I can manage reasonably well, but I'd like to become fluent eventually (although at my age that's going to be a challenge!).

I'll be back in Rome in a few weeks and then bella Toscana for a week or so, and really looking forward to it!

Cheers!

From Ken's post: "Something about Italy has prompted me to study the Italian language."

Hearing portions of Dante's Divine Comedy read in Italian by a native speaker, gave me an appreciation of the beauty of spoken Italian.

I use Jamie Oliver's Italian recipe to make pizza crust (it worked great in a traditional Tuscan stone oven) and try to load it with FEWER toppings than what we used to do.

First, I love the question!
Going to Italy was my first time submerged in another culture. I've been to Mexico and Canada, but mostly in the touristy parts where they've implemented the "American" way of doing things to attract tourism. While in Italy, it was the first time I was more or less forced to adapt to other ways of thinking and behavior. And because of that I've become so open to experiencing other cultures and habits. Sometimes it's easy to think that the way you've always done something is THE only and best way to do it. I'm not saying America is right or Italy is right or "fill in the blank here" is right, but the differences made me realize not to be closed-minded about anything and it's opened so many other opportunities to learn. In 2010, no one should be ignorant.

Monique,

You so eloquently put what my son has been trying so hard to express!

Thanks (from him and from me)

One of the most fascinating books I've read about Italy is "The Dark Heart of Italy" by Tobias Jones. The author, who passionately loves Italy, explores this contradictory, complex nation that is completely different than any of its neighbors. Italy's history has been shaped by war, fascism, the mafia and extreme instability and corruption in government. This book helped me to understand how and why Italians so highly value beauty and the art of living well. It also explained to me why I always had to count my change to keep from being cheated every time I bought something. The author had amazing insights into how and why Italians THINK, and therefore live life differently than Americans so. If you love Italy, this book is essential.

Again a thought provoking question. With our third trip commencing next week this question caused me to pause and ask what is my facination for this country.
Certainly the food, the slower pace of life - the warmth of the people. Even though my Italian is just the essential phrases I am amazed how helpful the people are in assisting you.
We take life here too fast and do not spend time to smell the roses. I have, since our last trip taken more care in what I eat like the other posters and spend more time with family and friends.
After this trip we will have seen all the museums, and points of interest and will spend more time traveling the back roads to see some of the areas not in the tourist books- the boot of Italy and more along the Adriatic and upper Alps areas.

For all who are traveling to Italy this year savor the time you spend there.

I too found that I was changed insofar as my awareness of the daily life of Italians and possibly Europeans in general. I had certain expections based on travels in Canada, U.S. and Mexico regarding bathrooms, AC, maid service etc. In reading Best of Italy book I took note that AC and heat sources have very restricted hours and months of service. That innkeepers and agrturismo hosts have certain gov't restrictions regarding when and how many hours that they can offer AC and heat, it's not that they're trying to be cheap. ELectricity is very expensive in Italy so they have to charge for it to avoid excessive use. Small bathrooms ensuite are only possible because they reconfigured old, historical rooms that had bathrooms down the hall and therefore the bathrooms were small and possibly elevated a step so that the plumbing could be installed. Yes, it was an adjustment/challenge at first but became very common place after a few days. Paraphrasing Rick, " If you don't find something to your liking, change your liking"
We also have changed our eating habits, leaning more towards cooking fresh produce (in season) and making pizza dough from "scratch". We don't like restaurant/pizzeria pizzas anymore. The evening passegiattas in many of the small towns we visited made me more aware of the people that I pass on our hometown streets now. I take more time to acknowledge people and catch up on their lives. (Small town, I admit) Basically, travel in Italy taught me to slow down and not to worry about the small stuff. I can't wait to go back! Sherry

I agree, you do feel healthier when you return and much more aware of living a better lifestyle. Although, I do feel a sadness for about 2 weeks after I'm back home. Been to Italy a few times and each time its more difficult to leave!

Wow, what a great philosophical thread. Isn't it amazing that visiting a country can inspire these thoughts and feelings! One common theme seems to be coming to the forefront here, and that is to live slow, and live well. Maybe our(america's) quest for wealth has totally gotten in the way of living well. What I brought home was an passion for really good food, really good wine, really good capacino, and really good conversation. I love the thought of slowing down and enjoying life a little more. If only we could convince the rest of our American bretheren to buy in. I can't wait to get back. Jeff

It took our first trip to Italy for me to convince my husband that pizza dough didn't have to be 3 inches thick to be good, and that for the toppings, less is better.

When we want pasta we make it. And when we go to an Italian restaurant here in the states, I ask for the sauce on the side, so that I can put the amount I want on it. I never use the amount they bring, it's too much. I do miss the roasted pork and the veal dishes, so basically we eat at home more since Italy.

One of the first things that we noticed even in Rome
is that after a workday, they really relax over dinner. It's social & a time to catch up and they are never rushed. I liked that a lot.

Good discussion, Elizabeth!

great thought elizabeth. i am catholic, and not a great example of the church, whatever that is these days. after three trips to italy, i have to say i love my church. small churches everywhere, the vatican and st. peters, wow! i became more religous and never thought it could happen. for me italy is family, food, church. all done pretty cool. have fun be safe.

I stayed at a convent - was just plain inspired!

The spaces of time are immense, yet people have always acted and lived the same as we do. They have the same motivations and do the same sorts of things to get to where they think they want to be.

Aside from this freakish era of High Technology that we live in, Human Nature hasn't changed in thousands of years.

i agree with all of those who've loved the way italy has stayed in their minds and hearts. my husband and i have perhaps spent more time in churches than we should have (sacrificing time eating and relaxing), but the ability to connect all the art history we've learned is a great accumulated treasure. we can take out our college Jansen text, leaf through all the things we studied back then and all the things we have seen over many european trips, and create a mental timeline that relates so many frescoes and altar paintings and sculpture and columns. so, i'd say seeing art in situ has had a very lasting effect.

This thread is still yielding good reads after 10 days. Nice to have a "think thread" once in a while. In an effort to have a better understanding of what I'm seeing over there, I've done something similar to what Nancy (post immediately above this one) has done, taking a renewed interest in the art history I studied long ago (I, like Nancy, still have my old Jansen text). As a result of traveling in Europe, I've also enjoyed exploring the history of the ideas that have helped shape various world views, and found a wonderful one-volume intellectual history of the West: "The Passion of the Western Mind" by Richard Tarnas. Part of an attempt to understand more of what I'm seeing over there.

Hello Elizabeth,

We have traveled to Italy twice and will be returning once again in Sept.
For us its the entire gamut of magnificent scenery, art, food, architecture,history,bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles. Beautiful, professional women weaving the Vespa through Milanese rush hour traffic with the confidence and skill of a Gran Prix racer. Or, the simple joy of driving up to a forgotten hill top fortress in Tuscany and enjoying a sunset with pannini, local wine and someone to hold.
After each act of kindness by the Italian people, I would pledge to them that I would bring Italy to the US of A.
It has inadvertently happened. We drink Limoncello and indulge in caprese weekly. Watch RAI, drive a Alfa Romeo, ride a Cinelli bicycle, restoring a 1961 Ducati motorcycle. My kids think I'm crazy. I kind of feel like Richard Dreyfuss in Close Encounters of the First Kind, where he was totally obsessed with his vision. But I love it.

Cordiali Saluti,
Davide