Lessons Learned from the Italians

The Italian way of life:

Okay so when my fiance and I took off on our first big trip together he gave me a hard time because when heading to Italy for what would be his first time it was my 4th time going.  So yes that is the type of thing an extremely spoiled girl would say "my 4th trip to Italy" at the age of 28 years old.  The thing is there are hundreds of places on my travel bucket list that I have yet to make it to however I keep going back to Italy.  Why?  Because it is just that dang good!  To me there is just something crazy special about the Italian way of life.  To the point that my family (with ancestors from Wales and Scotland) openly and unashamedly tell people that we are Italian just because we feel like a mistake must have been made somewhere along the way and can't understand how we are not actually Italian.  So below is my list of lessons learned from the Italians that I think we could all stand to carry with us in our daily lives no matter where in the world we are at the time. 

Taking things slow & enjoying every moment

While it can be a little frustrating when 30 minutes after you finish your meal you are still looking around to flag down your waiter or waitress to ask for your check and even after you ask it could be another 30 minutes before you have actually paid and are on your way out the door.  There is something to be said for slowing things down a bit, savoring the great wine and enjoying the company you are with.  In the states we are so rushed for everything that it sometimes feels like we rarely just sit down, relax and enjoy the little things.  The slower pace is something that while it may not come natural to many of us it is something we should all try to enjoy because what fun is life if you don't actually take the time to soak it in and enjoy the little things that make it special? 

Always valuing quality over quantity

I think Italians have long been known for having and enjoying "nice things."  Think about Italian high fashion.  Or Italian food,  wine, architecture, I can go on and on...  When I am there I can't help but walk around thinking - everything is just better here!  It is obvious after just a short amount of time there that they value quality in all of their products.  This kind of ties back to just living a more intentional life, not focusing on the temptations of fast fashion and a throwaway mentality but instead being intentional with the purchases we make, where they were made? by who? and what long term use we will get from the item?  Even more specific than just quality over quantity, I would argue that handmade is almost always better than not and below are some of a few of my favorite quality handmade Italian items

1. Pasta

The pasta dishes in Italy are just this perfect combination of freshly made pasta noodles with a sauce that is so rich in flavor from simmering for most of the day and topped with a freshly grated local cheese.

2. PIZZA

I wish I was exaggerating when I said that I think I averaged one pizza per day on our 12 day trip through Italy. The days that I did not have pizza were rare and also offset by the days that I had two pizzas to myself. Not only does the hand tossed dough, homemade sauces and fresh mozzarella make it the most amazing thing, most of the time in Italy they are served one per person and not intended to be shared...

3. WINE

I don't think I have ever had a bad bottle of wine while in Italy. My go to's are typically anything with a Sangiovese grape! But this most recent trip we did an amazing day trip to several vineyards throughout Montalcino where we learned about and tasted several different Brunellos and boy were they good. I think our new special occassion wine is a Brunello Di Montalcino.

4. COFFEE

I don't actually know what is different about the coffee in Italy versus here in the States but like most things, it just tastes better in Italy. And I love how common it is to get espresso drinks and shots that are rarely served in a to-go cup forcing you to take a moment to enjoy it versus the Starbucks we drink while driving or running errands that we typically have at home.

5. LEATHER SHOES, BAGS & JACKETS

One of the best purchases I have ever made was the leather jacket that I purchased in Florence while studying abroad the summer before my senior year of college. Eight years later and it is still my go to jacket for a night out. Also realized that my love for Italian leather is starting to rub off on my boyfriend when he purchased a stunning pair of handmade dress shoes.

6. CERAMIC DISHES

Good thing I didn't have room in my suitcase or my 900 squarefoot apartment for an assortment of Italian ceramics. I love all of the prints and options... maybe one day I will have a table fully set with these lovely ceramic dishes but until then I will enjoy wandering through the shops and maybe picking up a coffee mug for my collection.

7. handblown glass

From the small water glasses and Christmas ornaments we brought back to elaborate chandeliers and vases the handcrafted work of the glass blowers on the island of Murano is so incredibly impressive to me.