Food & Friends

Dear SOON(ER) to be traveler,

Studying abroad is a dream that many people hold. The idea of leaving behind what you know in exploration of something new sounds incredibly exciting, but it can also be intimidating. For many students, studying abroad starts as a solo experience. You find a program you love and choose to ignore any trepidations about beginning your journey alone, hoping relentlessly that when you arrive the country will feel less foreign than you expect.

This was my experience. When I arrived in Arezzo, I knew no one in my program. I quickly realized, however, that making friends in a foreign country could be easier than making friends at home. I've found that the key (no pun intended) lies with food and the ways in which Italians experience it.

In Italy, food and community are intertwined. Each meal is intentionally longer in order to allow time for socialization. Dinner, in particular, is meant to be an experience rather than a quick bite. Each course is brought out separately over a period of two to three hours, and drinks are plentiful. Oftentimes, the table will even share a liter or two of the restaurant's house wine.

The atmosphere is always alive with the bustling of waitstaff, cooks, and crowds walking down the narrow streets; juxtaposed by the slowness in which Italians eat their meals and enjoy each other's company. The evening brings a warm glow to the city, matched by the hardiness of the food, creating an all around cozy and welcoming ambience.

In Italy, you see, food is meant to be experienced and never eaten alone. Cooking for one another or inviting a friend to dinner is seen as an expression of love and affection. During meals, it is even traditional to say buon appetito (good eating) to those you dine with before digging into the delicious food. On Sundays, it is also very common for Italian families to gather for a long lunch, as family and food are closely connected.

The slowness and intentionality that surrounds the Italian food experience, in my opinion, is one of the most enriching and transforming aspects of traveling to Italy. It has also been a great way to make new friends! When you study abroad–although it might be intimidating at first–it is so important that you put yourself out there. One of the easiest ways to do this is to ask someone to join you for lunch or dinner. There, you are able to enjoy the Italian food experience together and have plenty of time to chat and get to know one another.

During my time in Italy, sharing meals with the people I am traveling with has been one of my favorite parts. The long dinners and aperitivi have allowed me to get to know others on a deep level and build friendships that I can carry with me back to the U.S.

Italy has a magical quality about it, and the food is no exception. Italian meals have this incredible ability of turning strangers into friends and allowing you to slow down and appreciate the present moment. I can't wait for you to experience it too!

BOOMER,

Maddy