2019 Italy #COBGlobal: day two, a cultural revelation

An ECUCOB, Study Abroad Travel Log By Ashlyn Doby

After an exciting layover in the Madrid airport that involved sprinting through the airport and a close call on the tarmac, we finally made it to Italy via the Turin airport!

Day Two of Italian study abroad landed on Italy’s national holiday, Festa della Republica. “Republic Day” is celebrated because of the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946. Most stores were closed, but we had a few hours of free time to grab lunch and explore the city. Different groups split up and went all over town. Most of the group meandered through the markets or the park and enjoyed the change of pace.

Then, we had a wonderful three-course “autentico” welcome dinner at La Locenda del Sorriso with our group leader, Fillipo. In Italy, meals are referred to as “slow food” because the food (and company) are meant to be savored! It was a really nice change compared to American lunches or dinners when people tend to rush through to get back to work or other obligations. Family and relationships are significant to the people of Italy, and it shows in their meal times! I really love the slow meal movement because it is a real change from America’s fast food mentality.

I hope to incorporate this “slow food” idea into my daily life when I get back home. I feel that we could all benefit from being a little more cognizant about the foods we eat and the company we keep, and so far, the trip has been great about reminding me about how to really enjoy meal times. We had an amazing first day learning a little more about the culture but are looking forward to the immersion over the next week and a half!

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