From the amazing fashion shows of Milan in the north and the museums in Florence to ancient ruins in Rome and the beautiful islands of Corsica and Sardinia, Italy is really a wonderful country with much to offer.
Of course, the first thing you might think about is the food. When people talk about Italy, the first thing that comes to mind is pasta. But do you know there are hundreds of different kinds? Also, the names of the pasta can differ from region to region.
While food is an important part of Italian culture, the true heart of the culture is the family unit and the sense of pride in one's community. For Italians, food and family go together. Mealtime is taken very seriously. Meals are the time for Italians to stay with friends and family to not only enjoy food, but talk and share time with each other.
Another theme of the life in Italy is the siesta — a time when businesses close from 1 p.m. to
4 p.m. People can enjoy the afternoon and take a break during the hottest hours of the day. In the evening, many Italians like to take a walk around the town, chatting with friends or maybe drinking a cup of coffee. When temperatures start to warm up, you will notice that the streets become emptier. Every August, many businesses shut down for a month so that families can enjoy the seaside and escape from the heat.
So, if you are looking to experience something different on your next trip, be sure to give Italy a try. It is a place where you can take time to enjoy the small things in life.
