Things are slower in Italy

Extremely noticeable, is how much slower everything is in Rome compared to at home in many aspects. This is how Italian culture has grown to be. Sitting outside on my balcony shortly after dinner time I took some time to look around at my surroundings and those in it. Many sat in the garden below simply enjoying the atmosphere around them. Some sat motionless as if in deep concentration soaking up everything the world had to offer at the time. Others took strolls along the Tiber River, holding hands walking as if they were aimless. Even while eating dinner, us americans expect to be in and out within an hour and a half maximum, but here everything from taking your oder to receiving your check seems as if it were an eternity. Locals stop at bars to get their daily fix of coffee or espresso and they take the time to stand at the counter and drink it, not run back to our SUV's and drink it while on our cell phones on the way to work. When walking on the street, natives take the time to walk slowly and diligently read the recent newspaper, not scope the internet quickly at work. When walking on the way to class often we hear Romans telling us to "slow down" and I never understood why they were saying this to us until I observed this way of life. 

A dinner to remember

Eating dinner at a local outdoor restaurant in Trastevere, I experienced the authenticity of an Italian dinner experience I always had pictured in my mind. By authenticity, I mean not only the food but the surrounding atmosphere. Sitting at a table in a small piazza area, I felt the sun setting as it peered through the umbrella I was sitting under. The streets surrounding began to fill as a waiter lit the lanterns next to me. Sipping on my white wine my eyes wandered to the families sitting joyfully eating dinner, as the smell of fresh tomatoes and mozerella passed by my table. Then came the part of dinner you see in the movies. The sound of violins, achordians, and authentic italian voices filled the air. The voices soon there after trickled over to behind my table as the Italian men serenaded me with their own rendition of what I believe were popular tunes. This was so authentic to what I believed Italian culture of dining at a restaurant would be like and is something I will always remember. The appreciation for such music and entertainment by the culture has become their way of life.

Plane Ride

On a recent plane ride from Rome to Barcelona the interactions of adult Italians completely took me back. Getting on the plane was a process in itself with people pushing and shoving to make sure they got their luggage stored in the appropriate over head. When seated we noticed both Italian men and women staring and snickering, and I even checked my shirt and face to make sure I did not have something on it that I missed. Men and women were standing up in their seats like little children when the plane was in flight, hollering at each other in words I could not explain. We wondered why they did not sit next to one another on board, but I guess this was more exciting. Several people walked down the aisles of the plane, stopping to talk to everyone they knew along the way, as if they were gathering in a local piazza. When the plane came in for a landing the passengers began to put their arms up in the arm and scream "woo," as if we were on a roller coaster ride. This was proceeded by the continuous clicking of metal seat belts to signify it was almost time to release them. Getting off the plane I was completely exhausted from the process of flying during this flight, but it just made me realize even more how much these Italians culture is defined. They are such socially active human beings, and whether they are enjoying a glass of wine by the spanish steps, on the metro, or on a plane there is always a sense of friendliness towards one another and a "family" like way of doing things.

From Italian Teens to Italian Culture

Something struck me as I viewed the way the Italian culture dresses, interacts, makes use of areas, etc. and I began to realize that this way of life is something I find completely interesting. Not only is it fascinating to gander at the teenage native Romans, as well as all natives as a whole. This will become a new topic for me.

That's Amore!

A cool breeze blew my pashmina off my shoulder, as the smell of sweet gillato and crispy brick oven pizza wafted in my face, gazing at the Trevi Fountain. Something about the illuminated figure over the water made the surrounding area and those inhabiting it in the evening entranced in romance. Street vendors selling roses approached the many couples sitting arms around each other on the steps, enjoying the presence of one another. A man gave his lover a taste of his after dinner gillato cone, as she messily took a bite, after which he wiped the excess from her face, and even in that moment I could feel the love perpetuating through the vicinity. Another couple performed the activity of throwing coins in to the fountain, kissing after, as the sound of violins and baritone singing reverberated off the Italian facades. The Trevi Fountain encompeses a feeling of desire and love, which when sitting on the steps taking it all in, I wanted to be a part of.

Tourists VS Natives

Walking in the confined area of the Trevi Fountain you can not help but notice how the space is utilized and evaluated by those occupying it. The tourists stand and gander at the fountain in complete fascination, taking pictures with broad smiles on their faces. Tour groups of children with yellow hats on following a waving flag pose for a picture in front of the water, as couples holding cameras document their presence. The so called "tourist" attitude differs greatly from those who may see the Trevi Fountain on a weekly basis. Italians native of the area use the space as a place of gathering to relax or socialize. Often these locals watch the way tourists react to the fountain, often chuckling or making bizarre faces at them. Several groups of Italians stood at the top of the steps eating gilatto and chatting, on what probably was their lunch break. This fountain has become a normal place of gathering such as we would at a bar or social atmosphere in the United States. Although I am sure they appreciate the history which subsides in the area, they are not as flabbergasted as the tourists appear to be while there.

History of the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a fabulous work of art that is so much more than a mere sculpture. This Baroque art with it's natural lines is a jewel of water and stone that is placed between the palaces of the historic centre of the city. This sculpture creates a representation symbolic of a force of nature, with its spring flowing out of the ground. The main feature of the monument is a chariot in the shape of a shell, drawn by seahorses with Triton as their guide. Located in the center as well is Oceanus, and to the side are the statues of Salubrity and Abundance. Forms of vegetation and rocks are located along the foundation, which represent the sea. This statue was the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which was used to provide water to the thermal baths. These "Virgin Waters" as the name represents, refers to a legend of a young Roman girl who provided water to thirsty soldiers from the spring. It was not until the eighteenth century that the Trevi Fountain was restored and completed for twenty years by Bernini and Nicola Salvi that the statue we know today was completed.

teen fashion

While exploring Rome I noticed one particular style of clothing worn by several groups of teens that caught my eye. They were seen wearing all black with baggy pants, wristbands, and chains hanging from their pockets. Often they had funky hairstyles and the girls wore dark lipstick and large studded black earrings. Back home we often refer to this group as having a "gothic" style. When observing the type of clothing and accessories they chose to wear it got me thinking about where they purchase these clothes because walking by several clothes stores, nothing resembled this style. Although not all teens here dress in this way, when you see them they tend to stick out compared to the fashion style of most other native Romans.

The Urban Legend

The most entertainment I have seen at the Trevi Fountain is watching people perform the world known urban legend. If you toss a coin over your shoulder and into the water with your back facing the fountain, it is believed you will return to Rome. This custom was begun in the 18th century as a way of collecting money for neighborhood "charities." The Trevi coin belief got its biggest boost from the 1954 movie, "Three Coins in the Fountain." The movie portrayed three coins being tossed in the fountain, two meant an engagement would occur soon, and three meant a divorce. I have seen a plethora of people reading the Rick Steve's tour guide as they literally perform their actions step-by-step as the book tells you to. It makes me laugh when I see tourists with their backs to the fountain, coin in one hand, and book in the other. Half of the coins they tried to toss in did not even make it into the fountain because of their fascination with making sure they did exactly as the millions of other people throughout history had done. The Trevi Fountain is visited by approximately 8,000 people on a daily basis, collecting about 3000 euros every night, which are used to help Rome's needy.

Missing a head?

All over the city of Rome stand headless statues, older than any nation, left open and exposed to the sun and rain. No other place in the world can match the splendour that lies casually scattered around the modern city of Rome. Most Roman statues were often influenced by Greeks, however, Romans attributed a more realistic view. Used to decorate public and private buildings, most sculptures were to honor rulers, promote the state and its governance, and celebrate victories; Caesar Augustus being the first Emperor sculpted. Most Roman statues were destroyed during the many barbarian invasions of the empire, as well as by Christian rebuilding. Both the marble and bronze was melted down for lime and re-use.

Make a wish

Perhaps what I have always noticed and been most excited about seeing in Rome is the Trevi Fountain. Being a Film Production based Major, this historic fountain has been featured in several films that I have viewed and always wondered what would be like to actually see in person. When I did it was both all I imagined and at the same time not at all. In films we see the area completely empty, and nothing but the breath taking view. Of course, movies manipulate reality, but I always had this picture in my mind. When I first walked into the high traffic area, I was taken back by what really exists. Tourists, natives, vendors, and stores surrounded the Trevi Fountain making it extremely active and energetic. I guess now when I watch these movies again I will really know what goes on behind the scenes!

Roman teens have it made!

Beginning my studies in Rome, something I have noticed considerably often is the lifestyles of teens native of the area. Everything from their clothes, actions, daily activities, places to gather, etc. all vary from what we are used to viewing in America. It struck me the most when I was walking by the Pantheon the other day and watched a group of what appeared to be young high school aged students hanging out, socializing, and eating mcdonalds on the ledge of an ancient wall infront of a huge monumental part of history.  Standing for 1600-1800 years now, the Pantheon was built as a temple to all gods, which now holds several of the dead. This is the best preserved of all Roman buildings, and maybe even the best preserved of its age in the world. Roman teenagers use these places as a social gathering, rather than a place to view and appreciate. In the same area are tourists from all over the world, vendors, and men dressed in ancient Roman attire, yet these teenagers have their own use of the area. Being that we do not have such treasures in America, it strikes me when I see this and imagine what it would be like growing up in Rome in such a way.