This is my host grandma or "host nonna" as I call her, here in Siena. I'm her 19th student she's hosted, and I for sure can tell with her patience, enjoyment of company and great cooking.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Service In Italy
-I’m working in a clothing distribution center in Siena, similar to what a Good Will would be in the States, but the clothes are free here. I fold them and help people find what they’re looking for (to the best I can comprehend) and this week I just started helping in a soup kitchen. Due to my lack of communication, a lot of my understanding is absorbed through what I observe and see. I’ve noticed there really aren’t “homeless” people here in Italy. There is poverty, and really that’s what this building I serve at caters to, yet the people who are in poverty look as if they aren’t. Today, while observing how things were managed in the soup kitchen, I couldn’t help but compare it to what one would be like in the States. All the tables were neatly set, and the people were served as if they were in a restaurant, with three or so different courses; bread and pasta, vegetables and meat then dessert. It was interesting as well because the people were nicely dressed too. Sure there are people who beg on the streets, but I’ve only seen a couple and they’re always women who have a gypsy like appearance. It could have a great deal to do with the city I’m in, but it makes me curious to see how the Italian government approaches poverty and drug use (since drug use is so tightly related to homelessness) in comparison to how the US approaches them.
-I’m working in a clothing distribution center in Siena, similar to what a Good Will would be in the States, but the clothes are free here. I fold them and help people find what they’re looking for (to the best I can comprehend) and this week I just started helping in a soup kitchen. Due to my lack of communication, a lot of my understanding is absorbed through what I observe and see. I’ve noticed there really aren’t “homeless” people here in Italy. There is poverty, and really that’s what this building I serve at caters to, yet the people who are in poverty look as if they aren’t. Today, while observing how things were managed in the soup kitchen, I couldn’t help but compare it to what one would be like in the States. All the tables were neatly set, and the people were served as if they were in a restaurant, with three or so different courses; bread and pasta, vegetables and meat then dessert. It was interesting as well because the people were nicely dressed too. Sure there are people who beg on the streets, but I’ve only seen a couple and they’re always women who have a gypsy like appearance. It could have a great deal to do with the city I’m in, but it makes me curious to see how the Italian government approaches poverty and drug use (since drug use is so tightly related to homelessness) in comparison to how the US approaches them.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Things I've Noticed to be Different, Culturally In Italy
-People wear shoes or slippers indoors at all times and most flooring is hardwood or tile. This is obviously to keep your feet clean, but also to keep yourself free from germs. Little things like always keeping your feet covered, or head covered when your hair is wet, or even abiding by the old wives tale to wait an hour after you eat before you go swimming, is practiced here for health purposes. Already, I think I’ve broken all of these rules since I’ve been in Italy.
- Watching television during mealtime is a customary practice in Italy. Since there were so many different dialects spoken in the different regions of Italy, people became familiar with a single dialect through the television beginning in 1954. Now, it’s customary and polite to watch TV during a meal. Most every kitchen table has a small TV by it or on it. The TV practically serves as another person at the dinner table.
- Coffee here is not like coffee in America. It’s like an espresso shot, super strong and a bit too thick for my taste. They think American coffee is watered down, I’ve switched to tea in the mornings.
-The saying “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is unheard of in Italy. Breakfast in Italy is biscotti and a cup of tea or coffee. Sugar and caffeine in the morning is what wakes up Italy, leaving all the American’s studying here pretty much starving until noon.
-The phrase “to-go” is also uncommon here. I noticed it most in the streets, you really don’t see anyone eating or drinking while walking outside or waiting in a line or for a bus. Most people order their coffee at a bar (coffee shop), and drink it there leisurely.
-Time. Italian time is 10-30minutes late always (I fit in!). People show up to work late, people take 3 hour lunch breaks, closing their shops down for siesta in the afternoon and most every store is closed by 6 or 7 in the evenings (aside from the restaurants). The first three weeks of studying here, my class schedule changed on a daily basis. The concept of a schedule is not entirely grasped here. I see people just doing their own thing, stressing as little as possible over something with a rush or deadline to it. I notice people walk from destination to destination relaxed here, wait relaxed and all in all are pretty patient.
-Dinner. Usually always served at 8pm or so and lasts about an hour or two (depending on who you’re with). The first night I ate dinner in Italy at the hotel with our group, I totally forgot that multiple courses were served here, I practically filled myself up on the first course not knowing there were about 4 more coming! Eating meals here is refreshing in a way, it’s not at all rushed, but something enjoyed in company with family and friends. Most every night I eat dinner with my host grandma Gielda, who always has the table neatly set and ready to go by 7:30 or so. We have some sort of pasta for prima (the first course), the second course consists of a meat and a vegetable with bread and the third is fruit which is usually served as dessert.
-I feel, there is a lot of time dedicated to the simple things in life, simple meaning the monotonous chores or events of everyday life that most Americans (culturally) would rush through. Something I couldn’t get over is the fact that it’s common to iron your underwear here…now where would we find that kind of time in America? lol.
-People are by no means wasteful in Italy. Homes here are very conscious of using electricity and being wasteful of it, as well as water. They hang dry everything to conserve power too (dryers are uncommon). The cars here are super small, they look like they have the power of a golf cart and most people get around (if not by car) by mopeds (the moped is the new Harley in Italy). The internet is also something that is uncommon in homes, it’s still a very luxurious thing to have. Water in the toilets here is a third of what it would be in America. Trash cans are difficult to find on the streets, and when you do they’re usually quite small. Oh…and the drivers here are crazy, yet you really never hear of or see car accidents, just a ton of close calls. There are a lot of roundabouts instead of stop lights too, which are energy efficient, yet a little crazy at times.
- Tylenol is a prescription drug here. Therefore, most of their pharmacy drugs are homeopathic, it is quite interesting. Healthcare here is different to the states, if you have a cold, you go to the doctor, they accept anyone, at any time and usually for small things. Instead of in the states when going to the doctor is usually a last resort. Also, when people are sick here with a cold, they just stay in bed for a few days rather than tough it out and go to work like most would in America.
- Flip flops are so not in fashion in Italy... Most everyone dresses up in some way or another when they’re outside of the house. It’s nice, you really learn to appreciate fashion a bit more, shoes are a big hit. I notice the platinum and gold shoes the most, they’ll probably become popular in the states in a few months or so (since Europe is ahead of America in fashion).
- Aside from the fashion, you almost feel like you’re back in time a bit here. Just with the relaxed mentality, technology and conservation, the “time vibes” feel a bit off from where they would feel in America. I say it feels like we’re 15 years back or so.
- You see a lot of people in the habit of smoking here.
- The schools here (aside from colleges) are Monday through Saturday.
- There aren’t college sports teams at all!!
- Soccer is HUGE here, you have to pay to use the soccer fields, they’re not like the park fields in the states, you actually have to pay to practice or have a game on the public fields.
-American music is popular here. The first week I was here, I was feeling a bit shocked with the culture so to speak, but I walked into a department store and heard (I know it’s bad) Hillary Duff, and although she isn’t the best musician to appreciate, I for sure was happy to hear one of her cheesy songs, it was great. From then on, I’ve really noticed the American music, I sing to it when I hear it, on TV at home, on the bus, in stores, it’s not bad.
-People wear shoes or slippers indoors at all times and most flooring is hardwood or tile. This is obviously to keep your feet clean, but also to keep yourself free from germs. Little things like always keeping your feet covered, or head covered when your hair is wet, or even abiding by the old wives tale to wait an hour after you eat before you go swimming, is practiced here for health purposes. Already, I think I’ve broken all of these rules since I’ve been in Italy.
- Watching television during mealtime is a customary practice in Italy. Since there were so many different dialects spoken in the different regions of Italy, people became familiar with a single dialect through the television beginning in 1954. Now, it’s customary and polite to watch TV during a meal. Most every kitchen table has a small TV by it or on it. The TV practically serves as another person at the dinner table.
- Coffee here is not like coffee in America. It’s like an espresso shot, super strong and a bit too thick for my taste. They think American coffee is watered down, I’ve switched to tea in the mornings.
-The saying “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is unheard of in Italy. Breakfast in Italy is biscotti and a cup of tea or coffee. Sugar and caffeine in the morning is what wakes up Italy, leaving all the American’s studying here pretty much starving until noon.
-The phrase “to-go” is also uncommon here. I noticed it most in the streets, you really don’t see anyone eating or drinking while walking outside or waiting in a line or for a bus. Most people order their coffee at a bar (coffee shop), and drink it there leisurely.
-Time. Italian time is 10-30minutes late always (I fit in!). People show up to work late, people take 3 hour lunch breaks, closing their shops down for siesta in the afternoon and most every store is closed by 6 or 7 in the evenings (aside from the restaurants). The first three weeks of studying here, my class schedule changed on a daily basis. The concept of a schedule is not entirely grasped here. I see people just doing their own thing, stressing as little as possible over something with a rush or deadline to it. I notice people walk from destination to destination relaxed here, wait relaxed and all in all are pretty patient.
-Dinner. Usually always served at 8pm or so and lasts about an hour or two (depending on who you’re with). The first night I ate dinner in Italy at the hotel with our group, I totally forgot that multiple courses were served here, I practically filled myself up on the first course not knowing there were about 4 more coming! Eating meals here is refreshing in a way, it’s not at all rushed, but something enjoyed in company with family and friends. Most every night I eat dinner with my host grandma Gielda, who always has the table neatly set and ready to go by 7:30 or so. We have some sort of pasta for prima (the first course), the second course consists of a meat and a vegetable with bread and the third is fruit which is usually served as dessert.
-I feel, there is a lot of time dedicated to the simple things in life, simple meaning the monotonous chores or events of everyday life that most Americans (culturally) would rush through. Something I couldn’t get over is the fact that it’s common to iron your underwear here…now where would we find that kind of time in America? lol.
-People are by no means wasteful in Italy. Homes here are very conscious of using electricity and being wasteful of it, as well as water. They hang dry everything to conserve power too (dryers are uncommon). The cars here are super small, they look like they have the power of a golf cart and most people get around (if not by car) by mopeds (the moped is the new Harley in Italy). The internet is also something that is uncommon in homes, it’s still a very luxurious thing to have. Water in the toilets here is a third of what it would be in America. Trash cans are difficult to find on the streets, and when you do they’re usually quite small. Oh…and the drivers here are crazy, yet you really never hear of or see car accidents, just a ton of close calls. There are a lot of roundabouts instead of stop lights too, which are energy efficient, yet a little crazy at times.
- Tylenol is a prescription drug here. Therefore, most of their pharmacy drugs are homeopathic, it is quite interesting. Healthcare here is different to the states, if you have a cold, you go to the doctor, they accept anyone, at any time and usually for small things. Instead of in the states when going to the doctor is usually a last resort. Also, when people are sick here with a cold, they just stay in bed for a few days rather than tough it out and go to work like most would in America.
- Flip flops are so not in fashion in Italy... Most everyone dresses up in some way or another when they’re outside of the house. It’s nice, you really learn to appreciate fashion a bit more, shoes are a big hit. I notice the platinum and gold shoes the most, they’ll probably become popular in the states in a few months or so (since Europe is ahead of America in fashion).
- Aside from the fashion, you almost feel like you’re back in time a bit here. Just with the relaxed mentality, technology and conservation, the “time vibes” feel a bit off from where they would feel in America. I say it feels like we’re 15 years back or so.
- You see a lot of people in the habit of smoking here.
- The schools here (aside from colleges) are Monday through Saturday.
- There aren’t college sports teams at all!!
- Soccer is HUGE here, you have to pay to use the soccer fields, they’re not like the park fields in the states, you actually have to pay to practice or have a game on the public fields.
-American music is popular here. The first week I was here, I was feeling a bit shocked with the culture so to speak, but I walked into a department store and heard (I know it’s bad) Hillary Duff, and although she isn’t the best musician to appreciate, I for sure was happy to hear one of her cheesy songs, it was great. From then on, I’ve really noticed the American music, I sing to it when I hear it, on TV at home, on the bus, in stores, it’s not bad.
