The program that I'm here with (Arizona in Italy) integrates us into Italian culture in ways that I would have never otherwise experienced. We've seen small towns, had tours, gone to a cooking class and ceramic painting workshop. This experience, for me, is not just about the things that I do here but what I can gain mentally about myself. Being pushed out of my comfort zone has shown me that I can be uncomfortable and succeed. I think in life we are drawn to comfort. It was easy for me to drive the grocery store, to school, and down to Target. Here everything takes more effort. My first grocery store trip was a story. Just imagine six girls each stuffing their small cart worth of items into their backpacks. Apparently "bag" means BORSA in italian. They take them seriously. No plastic bags for free. Same goes with water. I had to remind myself that this isn't Arizona, water isn't free. It's actually slightly expensive. Americans are also considered to be loud in Italy. We fluctuate our voice level from quiet to loud frequently. Italians are constantly loud, thus Americans are loud because they are heard more. The reasoning doesn't make much sense to me but i've come to feel embarrassed of my ethnocentric views. My initial reaction is that we Americans don't do it this way. Quite stereotypical but I assure you that'd be your reaction too after spending your whole life in the United States. We DO have it easier. It's not that there is anything wrong with it, by any means, but the contrast is thought provoking. I think that the instant gratification I am used to can hurt my experiences sometimes. The simplicity of my daily life over here has taught me patience, something that just simply seing sights couldn't offer me.
So many of the smaller towns amaze me. "What could they possibly do here?" I've always known that I am not a small city girl but it is beautiful to know that it can be done. Much more self reflection is required in a small city girl. Much more patience to go the grocery store that isn't open on Sundays, nor from 1 to 4:30 and when it snows the hours are up to the owner. The adjustment was hard at first but i'm coming to the realization that I almost fear going back to constant information exchange. The history here in every town is so rich. The buildings show the wearing from hundreds of years ago. Clothes still hang out of the multi story high buildings. The cobblestone streets show the weight of the thousands of people who have walked to the Duomo and cafes. That is something you don't get in Tucson. Imagining the life that once inhabited Orvieto is almost enchanting. I look forward to seeing more cities in Italy and other countries in Europe!
Here are some pics from the workshop & cooking class.
Here are some pics from the workshop & cooking class.
