Sometimes you graduate college during a worldwide pandemic and decide there is no way in hell that you could join the American workforce at that time. When this is the case, there is only one option – move to a country hit even worse by the pandemic and become an Au Pair! After 8 long months of an excruciating visa process, I crossed the Atlantic and finally moved to Rome, Italy, already knowing I would have the experience of a lifetime, even if the country went into a complete lockdown days after my arrival.
Living in Rome exceeded all my expectations. Having the opportunity to live with an Italian family gave me a firsthand look into the culture and traditions of Italy. Meeting local friends, eating amazing food and traveling the country extensively were helpful assistants as well. I learned its nuances and societal norms, and the secret of la dolce vita, which is pretty much not working nearly half the year, taking things slowly, and drinking lots of wine. Most of them work for me, except I’m overly punctual and would have to wait at least 45 minutes for my friends to show up anywhere.
Getting up close and personal with Italy’s culture gave me so much insight into what I liked about the country, versus what I found slightly more off-putting. Below is a brief list of what I love about Italy.
Everything All in One Place
No matter what you are looking to do, Italy probably has it. Head north for gorgeous mountain views that offer skiing and snowboarding amongst other winter sports, or go south for the mediterranean beaches.
In the summer you can boat, visit unique islands, and take a dip in the crystal clear sea. You want a party vibe? You got it. More up for relaxing? Not a problem. Famous lakes are scattered through the country and as well as active volcanoes (yikes!). If you like wine, it’s common knowledge that Italy has some of the best in the world.
Don’t get me started on the history. People have lived here for thousands of years, with the Roman Empire being older than 2 millennia. The Renaissance was brought to life in Florence, making Italy known as a capital of arts and culture even to this day. I could go on forever, but the possibilities are endless in Italy.
Their Undying Passion for Cuisine
Italians are crazy about their food, so there’s a lot of etiquette rules you’ve have to abide by – this is for your own good or they’ll judge the hell out of you. It is CRITICAL that you never order a cappuccino after lunchtime. Order one at 5pm and they’ll look at you like you’ve recently been released by the mental institution. Just back down now, you’re not getting that cappuccino. Putting cheese on fish is basically a sin, and pasta is the first course, not the main. Shame to all who think otherwise.
Aperitivo should be a staple in every society. Since Italians don’t eat dinner until at least 8pm, this 6pm meal opener (aperitivo derives from the word aprire, meaning to open) features light bites and the quintessential Aperol Spritz, which Italians drink more regularly than water. It’s all a part of that Mediterranean diet, I guess.
Something that always interested me is the way Italians plate food. Every component of the meal is separate and this is essential in preserving the integrity of each flavor. Your side dish of sauteed spinach will be served on a different plate than the second course so your steak’s flavor doesn’t get compromised. It is important to experience each flavor individually and eat slowly to savor the meal.
Everything Italians do in terms of food is done with passion and dedication. Cuisine varies from region to region, and Italians are likely to be loyal to theirs. Ask a Roman and they’ll tell you their favorite pasta is carbonara, ask someone from Campania and they’ll say pasta alle vongole (with clams), a Bolognese might love a Bolognese, and so on. In any case, the love Italians have for their cuisine is evident, making this a likely reason why it is considered one of the best in the world.
The Colors
Italy just seems more vibrant. The sea is more blue than anywhere else, and the rolling Tuscan hills appear in different hues of green in the summer. There is something about the way the sun glows over the yellow and orange apartment buildings from the north to the south, something about the way it sets over the tranquil sea, a delicate balance of pastel pinks, purples, and yellows.
In the spring, vines of wisteria hang from trellises along the sidewalk. In the winter, the north is scattered with a deep ivory coating of snow, as this is what the white in Italian flag represents. The fall brings deep shades of red, gold, and orange to the trees and those same Tuscan Hills.
Colors around Italy seem to be as passionate as its people, food, and culture.
Moving to Italy was a major event in my life, and I cherish every second of the experience as it gave me such a wonderful year of my life. Getting to know the ins and outs of a culture taught me a new way of living and stepping out of my comfort zone. I met not only other Italians but friends from all over the world that I still keep in touch with today. I could go on about all the things I love about Italy, but we would be here all day. I believe these reasons highlight the sense of what Italian life is all about – passion, expression, and emotion.
