Rome via Brooklyn

Word count = 589 time to read – 3 min

On my way! As we get closer to departure time, I’m becoming more excited but still hoping I’ll e able to get some sleep on the flight. Over the years I’ve learned only background information on Italy from history classes, movies, books, etc. and now I’m eager to get into a deeper historical view and experience contemporary culture by being immersed in Rome and in our course readings. What I’m most excited to see is how Italian culture and the life of Rome differs from everyday life in New York City.

Learning about Italian culture from the assigned chapters of Italy – Culture Smart! allowed me to have an idea of what to expect. One aspect of Italian culture that I’ll look forward to experiencing myself is how important Italians value relationships. Italians value family, friends, and spending time with others. This stood out to me because a lot of families don’t have time to truly relax in New York – everyone is always on the go. It sounds like Italians slow down and enjoy life. I hope we get to experience that too.

I expected pride in food was important to Italians. But I didn’t realize until our readings how Italians use meals to bring people together in ways that create connection and meaning, which is found in all cultures but I think are especially important to Italians. They allow everyone to sit down and spend time with loved ones. This happens in the U.S. with holiday meals but with phones and different work schedules daily meals with people can be rare.

I have gotten plenty of advice from my family and friends before leaving. Some helpful tips include keeping a paper copy of my passport on me at all times, and to be aware of my surroundings. Other people have told me that no matter where I go, I should take in my surroundings and not be on my phone the entire time. And everyone tells me to eat and to enjoy. I’m not a big coffee drinker but I plan to try a cappuccino. My friend told me that my only job is to try as much Italian food as I can away from the tourist restaurants and if I travel by the local region and the summer season.

My favorite word I learned so far is passeggiata. Passeggiata means to take a leisurely stroll, usually in the evening. What I love about this word is that it means more than just taking a walk. Culture Smart described passeggiata as an Italian tradition that allows you to appreciate your community. It gives you time to talk to others and enjoy some time outside. Something that is lost in New York. 

One of my favorite quotes from our readings is “Standing in line, this is not an Italian custom.” This is something I always hated about NYC, and people stand in line as a recreational activity for scarcity items. In Cuba where I’ve travelled a few times with family, people don’t stand in a straight line but there are masses of people always waiting for something and they say “ultimo,” and you know you’re the next to say last person in line when the next person comes in. Somehow they have a system. I think it will be interesting for me to pay attention to how social norms are different and how people work together or not to get every day life done.

Needless to say, I have been preparing for this trip. I have tried to brush up on Italian phrases, learned about some Italian customs, and watched videos on where we will be visiting.