I mentioned in earlier posts about how the process for getting things done in Italy is sometimes painfully slow. As an American it is annoying to wait for my student card for almost 3 weeks, as I need it for discounts and eating at the cafeteria. Various other things have taken a long time to process due to Italians being slow. However, the words of my branding teacher should really be taken seriously. The Italian way is slower than the American way, and speed is actually being forced on Italy, eroding their past way of life. As someone who has grown up in America, of course the initial reaction is, "So? They're slow and you need to speed up to get things done. The more you get done the more accomplished you are at the end of your life." I think that is a good point against the classic Italian way of life; if you move slowly your whole life you will end up getting a lot less done.
However, living in Italy for months shouldn't simply mean occupying my apartment for that amount of time. It should give me ample time to live how Italians really live. The point I am trying to make: Who is to say that the American pace is the correct pace? My professor brought up how there is added stress and less free time in this lifestyle. Well, what is more important? Is it important to have many accolades at the end of your life, or to have relaxed and maximized your free time in balance with your work? I think that's a question we all ask ourselves, consciously or not. People that know me might know what my answer to that question might be. Perhaps if you seek free time and a more relaxed lifestyle, your best option is to move to a country like Italy.
Personally, I have been bugging everyone at NABA for my card nearly every day. I have been doing my part in putting the pressure on people I don't think are working quickly enough. But what if, instead, I were to slow down with them? I am trying to adopt the Italian lifestyle for these months, and this seems to be a primary aspect of life here. Of course there are times to be quick: Homework, catching the train, etc. But if I slow down and accept things as they come, perhaps I can try the relaxed life people here seem to have. It is something to work towards, I think. I'll start by letting my student card come to me.
Those are some of thoughts I've been having pertaining to Italian and American differences. I see it as my job to give the Italian way a chance, and I'll be observing others to see how else they differ. I know they also wear puffy jackets and generally have short hair. I'll keep working on that.
I also had my first cooking class today. It wasn't as hands-on as you would hope. We made tomato sauce, but there were only about 8 preparation areas and about 25 people, so we did not get to cook. No one did, really. They showed everyone how to cut up the tomatoes, collected them, and made a big pot without student help. We did not make the noodles or meat that came along with the meal when it was ready. At least it tasted good, and we received a cookbook that I can hopefully use to recite the recipe at home.
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