5 Things I’ve Learned Living In Italy
Bella Italia, la dolce vita
For more than three years now, I’ve lived in Italy, the country that is a magnet for tourists from all around the world. Italy is a pearl of the world, the land of contrasts and harmony.
Each region of Italy is a small country itself, with its own culture, art, food, and habits; you can never be tired of exploring Italy. Did you know that about 60 percent of the world’s designated art treasures reside in Italy and this is without all of the Italian sculptures and paintings presented in the museums around the globe?
Being married to an Italian I learn a lot about Italy, its people, and culture, and it’s time to share my experience with you.
- Be Happy and Calm down, we have time. In a busy world, where everyone hurries to get things done, to make more money, work even harder and run 1km more, there is an oasis of calm people quietly enjoying life. In Italy, they say ‘To pay and to die, there is always a time’ (‘A pagare e a morire si è sempre in tempo’); ancient wisdom, that gives the right to postpone any unwelcome action. In other words, there is always tomorrow, enjoy today and let things be done tomorrow… or the day after.
- Relax and feel the moment. In small towns, every typical Italian bar has a bunch of chairs right outside, in the summer men and women sit and watch the street with a glass of a cold beer or a shot of espresso. Typically, they read newspapers, watch others and chat about the news.
After 5 o’clock, when the youth finishes work, all the bars in Italy are full of young people having aperitivo and chatting. While passing near the bar one may think there is a big fest, whereas nothing special goes on but Italians relaxing after work.
3. Hand Gesture. I bet Italians are famous all over the world for speaking with hands. Well, yes they are but they do not just wave their hands around at random, every gesture has a special meaning. From south to north gesture language is widely used to communicate. As the gestures are famous among tourists there are books, articles, and videos teaching the Italian gesture language.
4. Eating Pasta. I used to eat pasta once in a blue moon, so I was never a pasta fan. Here, I had to learn to eat pasta every day as Italians eat a lot of pasta. And when I say a lot, I mean it; try eating pasta for lunch and dinner on the same day. I can’t complain, as pasta is really delicious in Italy. They have a vast number of recipes each more delicious than the other, so one would never get tired of testing all types of pasta.
There is one axiom to follow though, traditional Italian recipes can’t be changed while cooking. In Italy, everyone cooks like a professional, moreover, the average Italian man cooks better than in some world-famous restaurants.
5. Italy is closed in August. Nope, this is not a joke; Italians have a holiday in August. During that month, usually, towns are empty, the bars are closed, and only highly essential shops are open. Keep in mind, in case you want to travel off the beaten path in Italy.
I love living in Italy, and I enjoy sharing my experience. Thank you for reading hope you enjoyed it. More to come soon; please subscribe to get emails.
