Having a Gouda time in Eataly

Written 3/14/18 

Today was a beautiful day in Florence. The sun was shining and we saw many incredible historical sights, such as the Duomo and the statue of David. At night we climbed up a hill to an overlook over the city and visited a church where we even experienced a real live gregorian chant.

In Italy we have eaten some amazing lunches as a group, as well as phenomenal dinners on our own. I have been thinking about the differences between Italian and American culture and one major difference I see is in the mentality surrounding food. One thing I’ve noticed is that Italian meals tend to take longer and include more courses than a typical meal in America. Today our meal at Za-Za’s took at least an hour and a half. It included bread, an appetizer, a main dish, a dessert, and a coffee. It was a nice relaxing meal with friends and I enjoyed it very much.

Above: Much needed espresso from Za-Za's

When I compare today’s lunch with my usual habits back home, there is a world of difference. I usually run to Windsor, grab whatever, and get out as fast as I can. Even when meeting a friend, the meal is usually feels rushed. Sometimes it is a subtler feeling, but it is often an explicitly discussed expectation. The focus is on eating as quickly as possible as opposed to socialization. Perhaps it is because we are busy college students, but even on breaks or at home with family it never feels like we really relax and put the sole focus on the meal at hand unless it’s a holiday or special occasion. There is always “background noise” of deadlines, time constraints, and other plans.

This is where I see the difference between Italian and American dining culture; Americans see meals as a less important transition between more pertinent events, whereas Italians see meals as the main activity. In America fast food abounds, but I’ve only seen two fast food chain restaurants during the whole week in Italy. An authentic Italian dining experience does not lend itself to quickness.

This observation does not pertain only to eating, but can expand to nearly every aspect of the two respective cultures. For example, while walking around, Dr. Felluga has pointed out numerous buildings that took centuries to complete and even modern works that have been in process for years. Italy does not appear to have a problem with taking it slow. American construction projects, on the other hand, go up as fast as they possibly can. In just a few short weeks, it seems like the new frat house on Third Street is nearly fully built.

Leonardo Da Vinci wrote in his notebooks, “True it is that impatience, the mother of folly, is she who praises brevity (“Notebooks” 5).” This is true for work related projects, but it is just as true for our interpersonal relationships. Our insistence on brevity of meals can lead us to have less fulfilling social interactions during that time. Oftentimes the only times I am able to meet up with friends is during meals and when we have to go so quickly it is almost as if we never met up in the first place.

I find that Italians tend to be more leisurely with their time and I would like to try and apply that to my own life. I really value the relationships I have with my friends and family and I could try a lot harder to have my actions and time management match my feelings and priorities.

--Ally

Sources

Da Vinci, Leonardo. Leonardo Da Vinci Notebooks. Selected by Irma A. Richter. Edited by Thereza Wells. Preface by Martin Kemp. Oxford University Press, 2008, Pp.1-11.