{"id":18960,"date":"2025-07-25T15:05:40","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T19:05:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/?p=18960"},"modified":"2025-07-25T15:11:57","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T19:11:57","slug":"what-traveling-to-italy-teaches-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/what-traveling-to-italy-teaches-us\/","title":{"rendered":"What Traveling to Italy Teaches Us"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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By<\/strong> Francesca Montillo, <\/strong>The Lazy Italian<\/strong><\/p>

See the original post\u00a0HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What Traveling to Italy Teaches Us<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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I have just wrapped up three back-to-back\u00a0adventures<\/a>\u00a0to my native land,\u00a0Italy<\/em>. Despite all my travels, and despite being a native of this great land, I always believe that being in Italy, and being on tour, teaches me something all the time. I am always learning from what I do, and from Italy itself. On this week\u2019s post, I thought I would share what I have learned in the past three weeks being in Italy<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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1. Food Is a Cultural Identity<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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One major lesson learned during our <\/span>culinary adventures<\/span><\/a> is that Italians don\u2019t just eat for the sake of eating\u2014they celebrate food. Every region has its own specialties, and meals are deeply tied to tradition and seasonality. You learn quickly that asking for a cappuccino after lunch may earn you a puzzled look, and asking for grated cheese over seafood in Italy is like asking for a burger at a sushi bar.<\/span><\/p>

But it\u2019s not just about rules\u2014it\u2019s about respect. Traveling through Italy teaches you that food is not just fuel; it\u2019s a language. Sharing a meal becomes a way to connect with people, with place, and with the rhythm of life. You start to appreciate how meals can reflect values\u2014simplicity, quality, community.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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2. The Value of Slowing Down<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Even as a native, I often have to remind myself of this: Italy runs on its own schedule. Meals, as we learned over our two hour lunches, are not rushed, they\u2019re events. Shops, as my clients quickly found out, close for long midday breaks. Even in big cities there\u2019s a sense that time should be savored rather than spent. Traveling in Italy teaches us the value of slowing down\u2014of enjoying a conversation without looking at our phones, of sitting in a piazza simply to people watch, and enjoy the world go by. And yes, sometimes, also to gossip with the locals.<\/span><\/p>

In a culture where \u201cla dolce vita\u201d (the sweet life) is celebrated, I am reminded that joy isn\u2019t just in accomplishments, but in moments. A perfect espresso, a warm laugh, a quiet street at sunset\u2014these are things to notice and appreciate.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Sit down, stay a while, enjoy the food, and the company! The 2024 Tuscany group doing all of that!<\/span><\/p>

Picture Credit: Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures.<\/span><\/p>

Join me in October in Tuscany!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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3. History Is Always Alive<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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In Italy, history isn\u2019t confined to museums\u2014it\u2019s everywhere. You can touch it, walk through it, even dine beside it. The cobbled streets of a small town, the grandeur of a church, the ruins of Pompeii\u2014each stone tells a story. Unlike newer countries where history is often behind glass, Italy surrounds you with living heritage.<\/span><\/p>

This constant presence of the past teaches us to look at our own surroundings differently. How often do we overlook the stories of our own towns, families, or cities? Italy reminds us that history isn\u2019t just academic\u2014it\u2019s human, beautiful, and always present, if we only take the time to look for it.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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4. Beauty Matters<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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This is not meant to sound shallow, but in Italy, beauty is not optional. From the graceful curves of Renaissance architecture, to the meticulous presentation of a plate of risotto, there\u2019s a national reverence for aesthetics. Cities like Florence and Venice are essentially open-air museums, but even rural villages are filled with charm.<\/span><\/p>

This devotion to beauty teaches us that caring about appearance doesn\u2019t have to be superficial. Instead, it can be a form of respect\u2014respect for your surroundings, for tradition, and for those we share space with. In a world driven by efficiency, Italy reminds us that beauty has value, and that nurturing it in daily life enriches our experiences.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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The 2025 Amalfi Culinary Adventure walking towards our cooking class under the lemon groves.<\/span><\/p>

Picture Credit: Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures<\/span><\/p>

Join us next May for an amazing Amalfi adventure!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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5. Family and Community Come First<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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In Italian culture, family isn\u2019t just important\u2014it\u2019s everything. Multi-generational households and businesses are common. As many of you have seen on our <\/span>adventures<\/span><\/a>, many providers we visit are family-run establishments. Fifth generation lemon farmers in <\/span>Amalfi<\/span><\/a>, a mom and son running the kitchen in <\/span>Sicily<\/span><\/a>, brothers, along with their mom and dad running the show in <\/span>Tuscany<\/span><\/a>, it\u2019s all about the family. And have you noticed how Sunday lunches are sacred in Italy? Even business dealings often hinge on personal relationships!<\/span><\/p>

As a traveler, you may be welcomed like family by strangers. Conversations are personal. Neighbors help each other. This sense of interconnectedness teaches us that life is better when lived collectively. In our culture, where independence is often idealized, Italy offers a refreshing reminder of the strength in community, in numbers, in family.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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6. Speak With More Than Words<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Even without knowing the language, it\u2019s surprisingly easy to communicate in Italy. That\u2019s because Italians are masters of non-verbal expression! Gestures, facial expressions, and tone convey as much as vocabulary. It\u2019s theatrical, engaging, and utterly human.<\/span><\/p>

This immersive form of communication teaches us that connection doesn\u2019t always need perfect grammar or translation. It needs presence, empathy, and a willingness to engage. Traveling in Italy helps us become more aware of how we communicate\u2014not just with words, but with emotion and energy, and sometimes, even a bit of anger!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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It\u2019s all in the family! Father, mother (not pictured) and sons run an amazing truffle hunt and culinary experience in Tuscany that I return to every year!<\/span><\/p>

Picture Credit: Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures.<\/span><\/p>

Join me in October to meet this amazing family for yourself.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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7. Art Is a Necessity, Not a Luxury<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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You don\u2019t need to be a historian to feel awe when standing before the Bronzi di Riace, as we did in Calabria, or the St. Andrew\u2019s Cathedral as we did in <\/span>Amalfi<\/span><\/a>. Italy has been the birthplace of some of the world\u2019s greatest art and architecture, and it\u2019s clear that creativity is not only admired but ingrained in the national identity.<\/span><\/p>

But, what\u2019s more, public spaces\u2014from fountains to piazzas\u2014are often filled with beauty accessible to all. Italy teaches us that art should be part of everyday life, not always locked away in exclusive spaces that charge for admission. It challenges us to recognize the importance of creativity in shaping who we are.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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8. Traditions Ground Us<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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From ancient festivals to local craftsmanship, Italy holds tightly to its traditions. Whether it\u2019s hand-making pasta, pressing olives, or singing folk songs during a religious celebration, Italians take pride in preserving the old ways.<\/span><\/p>

In a rapidly globalizing world, where trends shift quickly, Italy reminds us that traditions are not relics\u2014they\u2019re roots. They anchor identity, foster pride, and build bridges across generations. Respecting and reviving our own cultural practices can provide a deeper sense of meaning<\/span>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Art is everywhere in Italy, and can often be seen without an admission ticket. The 2024 Sicily group about to enter the majestic Noto Cathedral. Picture Credit: Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures.<\/span><\/p>

Join me in Sicily this September (1 Room Available) or next May!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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9. Less Can Be More<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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In many Italian homes and lifestyles, there\u2019s a minimalist elegance. Meals use simple ingredients. Furniture may be old, but it\u2019s cherished. This approach teaches us that more stuff doesn\u2019t equal more happiness, in fact, it sometimes hinders it.<\/span><\/p>

Italians often prioritize quality over quantity and <\/span>experience<\/span><\/a> over accumulation. Italian are also not as wasteful as we are in the States. This philosophy encourages a mindful approach to consumption\u2014one where satisfaction is found in depth rather than abundance.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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10. You Don\u2019t Just Visit Italy\u2014You Feel It<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Ultimately, what I hope I can convey to my clients is that <\/span>traveling to Italy <\/span><\/a>teaches us that a place can touch our hearts in unexpected ways. It invites us to not just to see, but to feel\u2014to feel the warmth of a community, the reverence of a sacred space, the joy of a shared meal, the wonder of standing in a place that has stood for centuries.<\/span><\/p>

Italy teaches us to be better travelers\u2014and better humans. To appreciate the moment, to honor beauty, to connect more deeply, and to carry a piece of that dolce vita back into our everyday lives.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Conclusion<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Italy, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and deeply rooted traditions, is more than just a popular travel destination\u2014it\u2019s a living classroom. Whether you\u2019re wandering through the ruins of <\/span>Pompei<\/span><\/a>, as we did during the <\/span>Amalfi Coast tour,<\/span><\/a> savoring pesto pasta in <\/span>Genova<\/span><\/a>, as we did during the Italian <\/span>Riviera tour<\/span><\/a>, or enjoying a picnic on an olive grove, as we did in <\/span>Calabria<\/span><\/a>, every moment in Italy offers a lesson. Traveling to this Mediterranean gem teaches us not only about the country itself, but about culture, connection, and how to live more fully.<\/span><\/p>

Italy is not just a destination; it\u2019s a mirror. It reflects what we value, what we neglect, and what we might rediscover. It\u2019s a masterclass in living with intention, grace, and gusto. Whether you stay for a week with us on our <\/span>adventures<\/span><\/a>, or a month on your own, the lessons of Italy linger long after your return home.<\/span><\/p>

And perhaps, that\u2019s its greatest gift I can offer my clients\u2014that life, like a good bottle of wine, is meant to be savored, not gulped.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Francesca Montillo, The Lazy Italian See the original post\u00a0HERE What Traveling to Italy Teaches Us I have just wrapped up three back-to-back\u00a0adventures\u00a0to my native land,\u00a0Italy. Despite all my travels,…Read More <\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[88],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18960"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18960"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18960\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18981,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18960\/revisions\/18981"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18960"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18960"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18960"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}