Italian Time

Most of my journal entries derive from conversations I have had with Italian friends.. and what better place to evoke thought on the country than a youth who lives in it? When in Milan over Spring Break, my new Italian friend was shocked to hear of all of the activities I did in high school—not only because Italian high schools do not offer the same activities, but also because she didn’t understand how I had time to do it all. Well, the truth is I didn’t: I didn’t sleep a lot and everyday I was faced with having to sacrifice one thing for another—let down one group or turn in something late to be able to accommodate another. She asked how I was able to maintain this lifestyle, how could I live a life without going home after school and relaxing for a bit. Granted the same question was asked by many of my friends in school with me at the time as well, but I write about this now because the way in which she expressed her disheartenment with my always-busy-schedule (even today) got me thinking about the differences in Italian and American (or at least my) lifestyle in regard to time.

When I came to Italy I wanted to leave behind the long, busy days, the never ending to do list without time to relax and rejuivinate without feeling guilty. I was going to be abroad and wanted a fresh slate for the semester. And lucky me! Italy is a country that does relaxation and enjoyment well. One of the great manifestations of this is meal time. An Italian proverb expresses this thought quite beautifully: “A tavola non si invecchia”—at the table, time doesn’t pass. Unfortunately the physical hours actually do, but I love the idea that meal time is a time to sit around, enjoy eating and the company of family and friends. It is not something to rush through but rather a time to relax and enjoy. I have taken more time for meals here than ever in my life. They actually take up a large part of my day, whereas in the US I would normally read or respond to emails over a bowl of cereal or plate of pasta—but I love every bit of this slow time idea.

Although I've been embracing "Italian time" - spending large chunks of my days eating meals, frequenting long hours of class and relaxing during the times in between, I nonetheless have an inescapable to-do list that I've been ignoring, which keeps piling up and only getting longer!

Danielle Barnes

CET Siena, Spring 2010