Time is flying way too fast! In the blink of an eye, I have been in Milan for over a month, and midterms are around the corner. But every day, I continue to find new things that surprise me. And although time is flying, the Italians are still taking their time. From their leisurely pace on the sidewalks to the long waits for any bureaucratic appointment, their relaxed concept of time and lifestyles shows through everything in Milan (except drivers racing through the streets). As a speed walker, my commute to class is the most frustrating part of my day. There are always big groups of Italians side by side, covering the entire length of the sidewalk, walking at what I think is the slowest pace humanly imaginable. The only way around is to cut into the bike lanes or onto the street, which isn’t always the best idea. So sometimes, you just have to slow down. Honestly, this is easier said than done, but in those times that I am stuck behind people, I notice a whole new city. There is always a shop I hadn’t noticed before, or a cute dog across the street that because I slowed down a little, I get to see. Maybe I won’t be a slow walker when I get back to Pittsburgh, but I am trying to enjoy taking my time in Italy.
Another place that Italians take their time more is with their food culture. From actually drinking coffee in the caffes to spending hours at dinner, the different cultural norms are on stark display. And the food culture here is something to which I feel deeply connected. Obviously, the food is wonderful, there are more shapes of pasta than I could ever imagine and a different sauce and meat that each city claims as their own (Milan is known for their risotto alla milanese which is amazing by the way). Beyond the food, the dinner culture is one of my favorites. Dinners are slow; waiters don’t rush customers for their orders or to pay the check at the end of the night. I can sit in a restaurant for as long as I want with my friends, just talking and laughing without feeling the pressuring gazes of the staff like in the United States. This reminds me of my family dinners from my childhood, where we would sometimes spend hours at our table with empty plates in front of us telling stories and jokes. To be able to spend my time here with delicious Italian food and wonderful new friends is one of my favorite parts of the experience!
