Lubna Alli

“Belissimo!” Nonna smiles as my group of newfound friends and I boast our bright smiles to the camera. She continues to send praises our way, telling us how beautiful we are. Wishing us a beautiful day, she strolls off. What a wonderful introduction to Italian culture!

As the paranoid, keener that I am, this first introduction to Italian culture was expected. Welcoming smiles and nonne all dressed up in their Sunday clothes walking back from the local duomo were things that I had prepared myself for. Prior to setting foot on Italian soil, I  was on a mission; a mission to prepare myself to be as Italian enough as I could be before actually immersing myself in their culture. In preparation, and quite honestly in just pure awe, I followed some 20 different accounts on Instagram suggested for familiarizing yourself with Italian culture. From accounts as peculiar as @notmynonni, which captures the nonni (grandpas) and nonne (grandmas) of Italy, to accounts such as @italy.vacations which were as easy as typing in “Italy” in the Instagram search bar. Having seen pictures of popular tourist hot spots such as Cinque Terre and Limone sul Garda while scrolling through my feed for months on end, I was confident that I knew Italy.

With the limited few days I’ve already been here, I’ve already come to a few conclusions based upon a few limited interactions with locals that I’ve had. I’m very observant, to say the least. Things as insignificant as someone’s scent or body language is generally ingrained in my memory, whether by choice or by force. And from what I’ve gathered thus far, Italians live true to the cultural stereotypes that have been forced on to them by “Americanos” like us.

A culture that celebrates smiles and that embraces the beauty that is familia! Simple actions such as striking up a conversation with locals are very valuable to the essence that is Italian culture. Valuable to us Canadians because of the commitment that it takes to be able to just take life one step at a time in the fast paced world that we live in. To stop and smell the roses and to be able to unwind, without fear for the consequences. There is beauty in that. La dolce vita. The good life.