Food
If one thing can be said about Italians, it's that the traditions they possess are eternal; even today, whether it is an Italian family in Tuscany or an ethnic Italian family in Northeastern Pennsylvania like my own, Italian traditions are deeply rooted more than any other aspect of the culture. The biggest of these traditions is of course family and spending time at the dinner table. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, just a slice of prosciutto and bread or a four course meal, all eating is done at the table, as well as all the talking1.
Growing up in an Italian family, sitting at the table to eat seemed as though it was trained more than expected. My grandmother never let any of us leave the kitchen table with food still in our hands, and to this day whether it's in my house or any of my family's homes, all family affairs—food being eaten or not—was done around the table.
When I had the opportunity as a sophomore in high school to travel with People to People as a student ambassador to Italy, I couldn't have been more excited. It was finally my chance to represent not only my country but my family and their heritage, as well as visit some of the world's most prized destinations. Of cAs an Italian, your life does not revolve so much around the world as it does the dinner table. All of life's important and unimportant nuances happen here1; life's dramas, the moments that are celebrated and those that are mourned. Relationships are forged here, and some broken. Secrets are shared, stories told, memories reminisced, verbal battles fought, and broken ties amended. All of this is done over the goodness of fine Italian food and drink, rooted deep in Italian tradition.
If one thing can be said about Italians, it's that the traditions they possess are eternal; even today, whether it is an Italian family in Tuscany or an ethnic Italian family in Northeastern Pennsylvania like my own, Italian traditions are deeply rooted more than any other aspect of the culture. The biggest of these traditions is of course family and spending time at the dinner table. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, just a slice of prosciutto and bread or a four course meal, all eating is done at the table, as well as all the talking.
Growing up in an Italian family, sitting at the table to eat seemed as though it was trained more than expected. My grandmother never let any of us leave the kitchen table with food still in our hands, and to this day whether it's in my house or any of my family's homes, all family affairs—food being eaten or not—was done around the table.
When I had the opportunity as a sophomore in high school to travel with People to People as a student ambassador to Italy, I couldn't have been more excited. It was finally my chance to represent not only my country but my family and their heritage, as well as visit some of the world's most prized destinations. Of course, being the Italian that I am, I couldn't wait to finally eat some authentic Italian food, not to go without saying my grandmother's as well as my mother's and aunt's dishes were anything but superb.
Reminiscing back to the first few footsteps I took while in Italy, my five senses are instantly heightened; I can hear the hustle and bustle of the Roman streets as the beautiful romance language fills the air and is almost like music to the ears. I can almost taste my first spoonful of real, Italian gelato in all its chocolatey goodness. The smell of the fresh Italian deli sandwiches layered simply with tomato, basil, and mozzarella (which with an Italian accent sounds much like “moots-a-rella”) is so heavenly you feel ashamed to even breath the air as it is almost like stealing the food without purchase!
This time around, however, traveling as a college student and with previous experience, I know the trip has so much more in store for me. As per my assignment while overseas, I'm expected to document culinary expression, and exactly what a true Italian knows best! Without a doubt, I knew the exact route I wanted to take; Italians are very stuck in tradition, especially when it comes to food, and getting to know an Italian and their traditions is best when at the dinner table. As I begin my journey and research, I can hardly wait to sit with my fellow peers and Italian comrades as we delve into Italian tradition through the portal that is the dinner table. Salute!
-Kim Maro
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