Facts and The Letiz, finding accord?

Ittts Monday.


Italian Fact of the day:

The Italian Mind...dissected: Part 1

Let me begin by saying that any cultural phenomenon that hits Italy's soil will always grow into its own creature. From my perspective, understanding and documenting all of the complexities of this society will always be difficult and nearly impossible, but generally categorizing them shouldn't be an insurmountable task. In theory. Categories in Italy will be similar to those recognizable in the US, but they are far from being the same--On Italian soil, as I like to say, they are complex, mysterious, sour, sweet and wound-up tight with everything else that makes this country such a strangely unique creature:

The Italian population in general, is much more "hands on." I mean that literally. The majority of Italians, also depending on the region, tend to be predisposed to physical contact and close-talking. There is not much adherence to the idea of personal space or boundaries, and if they did there would be invasion on all fronts. Even in the simple greeting gesture, Italians (as well as other cultures) get "close and personal." Two kisses, one on each cheek and hugs are the norm, and there is no male-male aversion. In fact, in my opinion, it is very lovely that their greeting is so fraternal.

Fraternal--another word that I would like to expound upon. In general, the relationship that exists between friendship becomes very familial--or relationships that are very accepting and non-exclusive. This may be due to the types of activities in which they normally partake--organizing long dinners for example. I am not saying that Italians are not judgmental and non-accepting, but they do tend to go out in large groups or flocks of friends. Friends and lovers can be formed easily if they chemistry is right, if they are introduced by friends, or if they have something to gain in the relationship--their loyalty generally holds truer in friendship than in love (another fact of the day).

When I mention that they "have something to gain"--I don't necessarily intend that the Italians use one another to boost their reputation or career, but I will say that Italy is not founded strongly in meritocracy--therefore, Italians "help one another" or they "help their friends, brothers, acquaintances-everywhere-usually with pleasure." You are never a lone Italian traveling in the world--your fellow bros are literally everywhere. Hence the reason that my old roommate did an internship in London (through a friend, stayed with a friend, worked with a friend) and didn't speak a world of English the entire time. However, this is also rooted in the strong tradition of "handing down" in this country--"My father was a butcher, I am a butcher, my son will take my place." A part from this sentimental rite of 'handing down,' climbing the ladder in Italy greatly depends on who you know--or your connections.

However, I have found that they have a very open and inviting rapport with one another and newcomers that is refreshing. There is no beating around the bush. They are usually direct, and they don't dance around what they want or how they feel even if their elaborate and elongated sentences make it seem like they do. Especially men!

Girls may talk behind your back, because no country can avoid cattiness, but drama is also a very Italian-made attribute.

There is a very natural and organic--even disorganized--sense of event planning, but most people are laid back so it is natural to casually plan most things at the last minute....aperitivos, dinners, dancing, nights on the town. There is no anxiety, there usually is no fuss, and no worry if your late because everyone will be. Everything is "tranquilla" or "tranquil."

There is a greater cultural interest of the average Italian person--art, video, culture, opera, music, history, CULINARY PALATE, manifestation, awareness, expression, --GOODNESS, ITALY IS EXPRESSION! If I dare say it, Italians are full of expression, but little production. Unfortunately for them, many problems of production are "made in Italy" but you can't fully blame the modern Italian--they are stuck in a "Catch 22". It can be very frustrating (soooo many more facts of the day) BUT BY GOD DO THEY PROTEST AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES!

Okay, Sociology 101 is done for the day....more ponderings on the Italian psyche in future "Facts of the Day."



I went to meet Matteo's parents this weekend for lunch on Saturday, and it went really well. We went to a restaurant in Genova, and it was absolutely FABULOUS. It is a historical place famous for a dutch Rennaissance painter that frequented the joint---nowadays, it is still noted for its cuisine--especially for its seafood. It is noted for its Minestrone--which was delicious! I ate pasta with tuna that was melt in your mouth, and I ate swordfish with potatoes as my second dish. Writing those sentences massacre the experience---I ate SOOO MUCH, and it was delicious!! It was a gorgeous day outside, and we took a small passeggiata before saying goodbye to his parents. They were really nice and down to earth, and I was happy that we had such a nice time together. I actually felt sick to my stomach when Matteo and I were driving home from Genova. Before heading back to Milan, we stopped at IKEA and a place called Castorama (like Lowes) outside the city to buy a few things for my apartment. It was so nice of him to take me there, and we even had a good time.

Today I taught at school, and my day went okay. Me and my Italian counterpart--Lets call her The Letitz (instead of Letizia)--we went to talk to the principal to clear up a few matters. He scheduled the meeting, and he ironed out many issues that we were having in our "collaborative" relationship. The meeting went over rather smoothly, and although we will have future bumps in the road, I believe that we calmly digested the information and found accord. I will now have more freedom to conduct my classes without the fear of messing up her "idea of the project," trying to decrypt her mind and adapting to her changeableness. We'll see how this new chapter of our lovely rapport goes! haha. Wish me luck.

I am going out to eat a pizza, tata for now!