Grace Vaughan is a student at William & Mary and a Featured Blogger. She is studying with ISA in Florence, Italy.
After living in Italy for almost three months, I’m pleasantly surprised by the day-to-day differences in Italy compared to the United States. I realized the American life I am used to is much faster-paced than Italian life. Italians embrace something called “lo strusico,” which directly translates to “the stroll” but refers to a broader cultural practice of slow living. It means embracing a casual stroll through the city, chatting and socializing with others, and simply living in the moment.
From my time in Florence, I’ve definitely noticed la vita lenta – the slow life. I think Italy’s culinary practices best exemplify this lifestyle. On a warm day in Italy, the tables outside of cafes are full of people relaxing, drinking espresso, and talking with one another. They simply sit outside and enjoy the day, without a rush to scarf down their pastries and coffee.
Meals also take longer in Italy. When eating out at a restaurant, expect to be there for a couple of hours. There’s no rush to eat as fast as possible. During meals, you’re expected to thoroughly enjoy your food, wine, and company. After the plates are cleared, waiters invite you to relax even longer, with a dessert or an after-dinner coffee. Servers are generally less attentive in Italy than in the United States, sometimes making it harder to eat a quick meal. While this annoyed me at first, it’s something I’ve learned to embrace. Instead of rushing through my day, I’m learning to sit back, take a deep breath, and be in the moment.
My time in Italy has made me realize how American culture prioritizes convenience and efficiency. We like things to be done as fast as possible. Fast food is practically a staple of American culture, where you can buy and eat a meal without leaving the comfort of your car. At restaurants, waiters are attentive and efficient, making sure your experience is as quick and seamless as possible. Being in Italy has made me appreciate the art of relaxing and taking it slow.
Another way slow living has permeated into my daily routine in Florence is through walking. This is an adjustment from the sprawling suburbia I grew up in the U.S., where a car was necessary to complete daily chores. Florence’s relatively small size makes it very accessible on foot; it’s easy to walk almost anywhere in the city. Almost everything I need is within walking distance from my apartment. I’ve learned to embrace, not dread, a thirty-minute walking commute. It gives me time to explore the city, see new things, and be present in the moment.
Walking around Florence, I’ve noticed clotheslines-strung windows, balconies, and courtyards, filled with people’s drying apparel. Very few Italian homes have machine clothes dryers; instead, they opt for air drying. When we first arrived abroad, this came as a shock to my roommates and me. How can we do laundry without a dryer?! However, I’ve found it easier to adjust to than expected. I will admit, I do miss the efficiency of machine-drying my laundry, but I’ve also learned to appreciate the eco-friendliness of air drying. The simple act of air-drying clothes seems to be a testament to Italy’s slower lifestyle.
One of the most valuable experiences you get from studying abroad is becoming exposed to another culture. For me, experiencing life in another country not only teaches you about another culture but also allows you to reflect on the social norms you’ve lived with in your own culture. This new perspective is invaluable.