For the last two weeks, my hubs and I were traveling in Italy. This was only our second trip to Europe. But, we definitely plan to travel more. Not just because we love to travel. And not just because there are so many benefits to traveling abroad. But, also because we love the European way of life.
The few times we have been abroad, we’ve picked up additional language skills, tried new foods, learned some history, saw some art, and explored new (to us) cultures and places. Most importantly, we get the opportunity to connect.
This quality time was very Italian.
From the two weeks we spent traveling all over northern and central Italy, we could tell that Italian society actually cares about its people. Their care is deeply routed with a focus on mental, physical, and family health.
This focus on total wellness can be found in everything from the quality of food, to working hours, and even in other aspects of life and culture like public transportation, healthcare, and data privacy. As someone who constantly thinks, talks, and writes about work, it was interesting, lovely, and refreshing to be somewhere that focuses on putting people, health, and families first.
I’m sure I’ll write more about our trip and lessons learned over the next several months. There’s a ton reeling through my heard. But, considering the sun is just now rising and breakfast is top of mind, I’ll start there.
Starting the Day and Breakfast
We noticed this instantly upon our arrival starting with breakfast. First, it became apparent quickly that Italians don’t really do breakfast. I had known this beforehand because I actually had two college roommates born and raised in Italy. But, upon arrival, most of the breakfasts available were coffee shops or snack bars for simple things like a cappuccino and a pastry (paste in Italian). Considering we have learned to love and rely on breakfast, my hubs and I often stuck to the hotel breakfasts.
At most of the hotels or bed and breakfasts we’ve visited in the US, breakfast has always started at an ungodly hour – usually 5 or sometimes 6. But in Italy, breakfast starts at 7 or later. The later breakfast times allow additional time for the hotel employees to be themselves. But, it also forced us as travelers to slow down. We couldn’t wake up super early for daily activities because daily activities simply don’t start that early.
Midday and Siesta
This habit of starting later and moving slowly was not only seen with breakfasts but will other meals and cultural norms, as well. Much of Italy practices a ritual known as siesta. Restaurants and shops close between lunch and dinner for people to go home in the middle of the day, have lunch with their families, and take a nap. As Americans, we often talk about napping and its benefits. But, if we’re being honest, how many of us actually do it? Almost never. If almost. I love how the people of Italy took time to recharge mid-day.
Dinner Time
Aside from later starts and siesta, we also loved the pace of Italian dining. They aren’t in a rush to make and eat whatever they can put together and into their mouths quickly. They use meal prep and meal eating as a time to connect with each other. Aside from the hand-made, fresh foods they prep and eat. They plate their food in courses, eating first an appetizer, then a pasta, then a meat, then a salad, then dessert, and then cappuccino or tea. Yes, that many courses. The meals took about two hours each. But, they were worth it. We were able to savor every bite the way it was intended to be eaten.
Back to Reality: Travel and Work
Between starting later, siestas, and slowing down during meal time, it’s clear that the culture focuses on building a sustainable and satisfying lifestyle before anything else. Coming back to work this morning, I feel so relaxed. And, I’m committed to keeping this relaxed way of life. Taking this lesson from travel and work, I’m committed to building a healthy relationship with work. Through this, I am looking forward to staying recharged, learning, and helping others do the same.
With that said, now that I’m back to the office and refreshed, who wants to work with me? Feel free to contact me here.