Cultural insights from Europe
January 26th 2008 10:11
Recently our wee family returned from a trip to England, Italy and Paris. The reasons we went were to visit my husbands family (both adopted and genetic). Spending three weeks in England and three weeks in Italy not only provided a stark difference in weather to Australia, but also in culture. In the part of England we stayed (Macclesfield, Manchester) the pleasant country estates and renovated farmhouses were charming. The BMWs and Mercedes were plentiful. In this part of the country it seemed that decoration, status (conveyed by material wealth and ability to pay for a cleaner), and who you know, were all important.
Quite literally every person we met was immersed in the expectations of their peers and the standards they have set for themselves. Not a thought for the poor bugger down the road. Over in Bradford - a working class city - things were more realistic and much more like home.
Over we went to Italy where a new cultural shock awaited. The Italian family is close and were very affectionate to us - we were a novelty visitor and they made a special effort to communicate. They like their coffee strong and their cars tiny. The cars are small so they can fit better in the street parking, whereby they leave an inch if there is room. Also handy for dipping about from one lane to another or making a new lane out of say a road shoulder.
Cakes are really plentiful especially at Xmas: diamond shaped chocolate cake, Zeppelin (large donuts), chocolate croissants, rum babas, and Pepita (chocolate hazelnuts) had this girl quite happy. When eating in Italy one must pace themselves, and not eat heartily the pasta, which is only the first course. (Save room for meat, peppers, eggplant, chestnuts, fruit, chocs). If enquiring about a food or saying it was delicious (buono/good), make sure that you say you are non fame (not hungry) or you will certainly get said dish put on for you.
Generosity and hospitality are in abundance in the busy town where we stayed (Avellino, one hour from Naples). I certainly thought many times about if the tables were turned, would we be putting on a 3 course lunch for some long lost relatives every single day, or giving our child many sweets on Bifana Day (Jan 6).
The Italians love fashion and do not wear trackpants, sneakers, or anything torn. Tight jeans and high boots for younger women, with nice long skirts and blouses for older women. One gift we were given for our nearly 3 year old girl was a dress which cost 35 euro, thats $50. The childrens clothes and shoes made in Italy are beautiful. It's almost a shame its so hot here she cant wear much of the corduroy winter dress and skirts.
Although safety is not really top priority for the Italians, I realised that family and enjoying the good things in life really is. Mama really shows she cares through the detailed management of son/daughter's clothing and food, and that is better than not bothering at all... like all the Aussie Mums who take their kids to fast food outlets as they dont like/too busy to cook.
Quite literally every person we met was immersed in the expectations of their peers and the standards they have set for themselves. Not a thought for the poor bugger down the road. Over in Bradford - a working class city - things were more realistic and much more like home.
Over we went to Italy where a new cultural shock awaited. The Italian family is close and were very affectionate to us - we were a novelty visitor and they made a special effort to communicate. They like their coffee strong and their cars tiny. The cars are small so they can fit better in the street parking, whereby they leave an inch if there is room. Also handy for dipping about from one lane to another or making a new lane out of say a road shoulder.
Cakes are really plentiful especially at Xmas: diamond shaped chocolate cake, Zeppelin (large donuts), chocolate croissants, rum babas, and Pepita (chocolate hazelnuts) had this girl quite happy. When eating in Italy one must pace themselves, and not eat heartily the pasta, which is only the first course. (Save room for meat, peppers, eggplant, chestnuts, fruit, chocs). If enquiring about a food or saying it was delicious (buono/good), make sure that you say you are non fame (not hungry) or you will certainly get said dish put on for you.
Generosity and hospitality are in abundance in the busy town where we stayed (Avellino, one hour from Naples). I certainly thought many times about if the tables were turned, would we be putting on a 3 course lunch for some long lost relatives every single day, or giving our child many sweets on Bifana Day (Jan 6).
The Italians love fashion and do not wear trackpants, sneakers, or anything torn. Tight jeans and high boots for younger women, with nice long skirts and blouses for older women. One gift we were given for our nearly 3 year old girl was a dress which cost 35 euro, thats $50. The childrens clothes and shoes made in Italy are beautiful. It's almost a shame its so hot here she cant wear much of the corduroy winter dress and skirts.
Although safety is not really top priority for the Italians, I realised that family and enjoying the good things in life really is. Mama really shows she cares through the detailed management of son/daughter's clothing and food, and that is better than not bothering at all... like all the Aussie Mums who take their kids to fast food outlets as they dont like/too busy to cook.
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Comment by Harry
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Sounds like Sydney in many parts. Great post.