During my time in Italy I have learned a lot about the Italian culture. And I have to say that it is…well I do not know what word to use to describe the Italian culture, or any other culture for that matter. I cannot say that it is funny, because although there are things in the Italian culture that make me laugh the only reason I laugh is because its different from how I do things. And you cannot call a culture different because there is always that underlying feeling of something different as strange. And even if a culture feels strange the only reason it feels strange is because it is not the culture you are used to. Just because you are not used to something does not make it bad, in fact it makes it better! It makes it an adventure. There, that’s the right word; the Italian culture is an adventure.
One adventure that I have experienced is the Bidet (bu-day). You know, the round almost toilet looking thing that is in every bathroom in Italy, just sitting there. Something you bump your shin on every time you walk into the narrow bathroom. It is used for…well I think you know what it’s for and I would rather not describe it (if you don’t know then google it). In my opinion it just takes up space. Lauren and I have never used ours in the 4 months we have been in Italy: one because we are not sure how and two it seems a little pointless. However Giovana cleans it regularly because the dust that collects on it at the end of the week is always gone by Sunday (cleaning day). So I have decided that its best use is for cleaning your feet. It is the perfect height to just step your foot into without falling over and it has warm water so your feet do not freeze. After a long day in your shoes your feet can always use a warm bath and the Bidet helps do just the that.
Small door ways has been another adventure, and one that has made me laugh. There are always two doors to every room, like mini French doors. So the door way is about the same size as in American door way but there are two doors instead of just one. And the Italians really only keep one of the two doors open/unlocked at any given time. Making the entry and exit of a room a slow process. Everyone has to leave one by one. You cannot rush through a door because you could possibly hit a shoulder, elbow, or hip if swung too close to the door frame or other door. And it is really a fun process getting any sort of bag or backpack in and out of rooms because the doors are really only meant for one person or one item at a time. Sometimes the sideways approach works but not always. I have learned that the slow, squeeze approach works best. If you can get yourself though then most likely whatever else you have will make it through; a little pulling sometimes helps. They are however very practical when it comes to the size and shape of the city homes. They are normally pretty tall and narrow so the tall and narrow door ways make sense.
The ‘zenzara’ are anther adventure that we all experienced but im not sure I would call mosquitoes adventures. They are terrible little bugs that eat you alive if they get the chance. And they are all over Italy. The little evils were all over the house and I killed at least 5 a night: hoping to save my roommate and I from total destruction. So we all prayed for the first freeze. As soon as winter comes most of the zenzara die off so we hoped and prayed for the first freeze and when it came we all rejoiced!
Then there are also, of course, the surprises in every culture: the things in a new culture that you fall in love with and will now incorporate into your own life because you like them and they have made an impression on you. The Italian culture surprised me a lot!
The art appreciation in Italy has surprised me! There is so much art and history in Italy. Years upon years represented. Ancient cultures and societies have left their marks in every corner. These marks, in the form of art and architecture, have been found all over Italy. The Italians have been amazing at preserving these important pieces of history. The museums are well set up and preserve the delicate art safely. The churches from hundreds and hundreds of years ago are kept clean, beautiful, and silent: just how they were built to be. The United States does not have a very long history, we do not have as much past as Europe has. It is so nice to see Europe and Italy in particular cherishing the art they have and showing more appreciation for history than I have ever seen before.
Family has always been priority in my life. It was just how I was raised. And in Italy family importance is big, huge! The most important time of the day is dinner time, the time when you are with your family. Being a part of an Italian family was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Family has always been a priority to me but being in Italy has made me appreciate family and family time even more.
I was also very surprised to see so many small family own businesses and restaurants up and running all over Italy. Small corner shop artists being able to sell one of a kind pictures. Or the millions of bakeries on every block turning out the best pastries and cookies. And the fresh fruit and meat sitting outside tiny rooms with old ladies chatting away inside about the weather or the latest gossip. The small businesses in Italy always had the freshest products. Everything smelled so good and looked so colorful! The fresh and comforting senses that came from being surrounded by small businesses was wonderful.
My time in Italy (and Europe) was filled with adventures and surprises. I learned a lot. Made some great new friends. Was adopted by an Italian family. Saw more art that I could have ever imagined. Travel to seven countries and saw twenty five cities, in four months. And I am proud of who I have become after learning from all of my new experiences :)
Love you all and hope you enjoyed reading what I have been up to! Happy New Year!
With Love and…
The End of My Adventure.
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