Posted by Cheryl Alexander – Italian Excursion
It’s that time of year again, when things darken and we look for more light. I believe the “holidays” were sort of set in this time so we could brighten our lives with gifts and gala, food and family. It’s a time when I tend to start thinking longingly of my Spring trip to Italy. And it’s always a time I appreciate the richness of my relationships, whether it be with my family, my American community or my Italian community.
Yesterday, our Thanksgiving feast was magnificent. There was, as always, far too much food. It reminded me that the meals I experience in Italy, be it a festival or just dinner, tend to look like our Thanksgiving feasts, with food galore, camaraderie and time taken to enjoy it all. One of the first things I noticed when I began to travel in Italy was that food was used as the venue to friendship and community. It wasn’t that people were so hungry for the parade of dishes coming from the kitchen but that it extended the time they could spend together. That observation alone made this country more endearing to me.
Food is a wonderful way to commune, express culture and bring people closer. It’s a way for families to “make memories” together. And the Italians take this endeavor seriously. The Slow Food movement began with Italians, to counter the fact that people were not spending time together eating and talking, as they once did.
And just as Americans have embraced the “Slow” movement, the Italians have been celebrating Thanksgiving! I emailed with some of my friends in Italy this week to find that they were busy preparing for their holiday meal, just as we were. Some of them like using the traditional menu we use here but many were adapting or creating their own menus. Isn’t it great to be able to mix and match traditions in this age of globalization.
So, in the spirit of gratitude that this most recent holiday brings forth, I just want to say that I’m grateful to be part of two very lovely cultures, that take time to intersect and share. This is the light I relish during the darkest season.
Happy Holidays to you all!
Cheryl
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Cheryl has been traveling to Europe, particularly Italy, for more than fourteen years. Her interest in Italy, its history, art and rich culture led her to purchase property near Orvieto, allowing her to spend more time there. Cheryl’s exploration of Italy include the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, as well as the areas around Venice and south towards Sorrento. She continues to travel into Italy’s less traveled regions, and enjoys sharing her discoveries with others. Relaxed, leisurely tours are her specialty with an emphasis on the comfort of her guests.Cheryl spends the rest of her time near the beach in San Diego, cavorting with her two small grandchildren. She’s an avid reader, health advocate and community volunteer. Her career as a social worker brings an understanding of people’s needs to the tour business.
Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.
