Why Italians have "La Vita Bella" (The Beautiful Life)
My observations of Italian life have really led me to believe that Italians do enjoy life more than Americans. Here are just a few thoughts why:
1- Italians close shop during the middle of the day so they can actually enjoy a lunch with friends and family. Most shops are closed for about 3 hours, from 12:30 - 3:30. When Italians eat, they take their time, time to enjoy company, time to visit.
2- This evening, around 9 pm, I went out to exercise. At this time of night, the streets are full of people. Couples, families, and friends for a walk or a bike ride. If we walk to get an ice cream, the patio is full of families and friends enjoying each other's company.
3- Italians rarely take less than 1 1/2 hours to eat. My young women tell me that dinner time is at least 3 hours, especially when company is over. Italian meals are served in courses, usually a pasta, then a meat, then a salad, each served individually throughout the course of the meal. Italians eat late in the evening, typically between 7-8. If we go out to eat, the restaurant won't take reservations before 7 pm, and the crowds don't come until later, usually after 8, and once a table is reserved, it's reserved for the night. They don't get people in and out like we do in the states. Once again, using this time to converse and spend time with family and loved ones.
These are just a few things I've noticed, and learned to enjoy about Italians and their culture. Ben & I have learned to actually take our time when we eat out. If we go out, it's only dinner, not dinner and a movie, we wouldn't have time.
1- Italians close shop during the middle of the day so they can actually enjoy a lunch with friends and family. Most shops are closed for about 3 hours, from 12:30 - 3:30. When Italians eat, they take their time, time to enjoy company, time to visit.
2- This evening, around 9 pm, I went out to exercise. At this time of night, the streets are full of people. Couples, families, and friends for a walk or a bike ride. If we walk to get an ice cream, the patio is full of families and friends enjoying each other's company.
3- Italians rarely take less than 1 1/2 hours to eat. My young women tell me that dinner time is at least 3 hours, especially when company is over. Italian meals are served in courses, usually a pasta, then a meat, then a salad, each served individually throughout the course of the meal. Italians eat late in the evening, typically between 7-8. If we go out to eat, the restaurant won't take reservations before 7 pm, and the crowds don't come until later, usually after 8, and once a table is reserved, it's reserved for the night. They don't get people in and out like we do in the states. Once again, using this time to converse and spend time with family and loved ones.
These are just a few things I've noticed, and learned to enjoy about Italians and their culture. Ben & I have learned to actually take our time when we eat out. If we go out, it's only dinner, not dinner and a movie, we wouldn't have time.
Comments
p.s. I saw Mike Beard tonight (he just started working @ the temple) & we subbed. Anyway - we chatted & I thought of you guys ~ I am sure you have some great old memories of the mortuary! Thanks to you guys we ended up there...which I really do appreciate!