Today we had lecture on Energy Methods of Structural Analysis and the Principle of Virtual Work which wasn't too excited and kind of tedious after a while. So instead I'm going to talk about Italian stereotypes and misconceptions about the culture that I've experienced.
- Spaghetti: spaghetti noodles? yes. the dish with marinara and meatballs? not so much. Although I'm sure they have it in the more touristy restaurants (they have burgers and fries some places for heaven's sake!) I have yet to order or notice any traditional spaghetti on the menu. And I've eaten a lot of pasta, so I would know. Not only are the Italians not into ground beef (which I'll talk about later) I haven't seen meatballs, or much meat in pasta at all. One of the other girls in our group says they are eaten as a separate dish, but not in pasta.
- Pasta: So I bet you think the 'Italians eat lots of pasta' thing is somewhat exaggerated. Well, it's not. The first week when we were in Corciano for our two course lunches and dinners we always had pasta as one of the courses, usually the first. always. It was very good and prepared differently with different noodles but there was no doubt pasta is a main staple of the Italian lifestyle.
- Simplicity: Italians are the masters of creating delicious dishes with very few ingredients. Pasta with mushrooms is just that, nothing more. A sandwich can sometimes be no more than some good Italian prosciutto and bread. Classic pizzas like the margherita have just a few key ingredients. Salad never has much on it or in it. Just a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Not only does this food taste just as good as something complicated, it's way easier. More isn't always better. (Unless we're talking about gelato :)
- Pork: This seems to be the meat of choice for Italians. All of their famous meats are made of it. The sausages, salami, you name it. After the college student meals of chicken and ground beef, I am totally fine with this!
- Pesto, Alfredo: While basil is very prevalent in Italian culture, I don't think smearing pesto on everything is... I'm not really sure what the deal is here. They sell it in the stores and it tastes homemade, but I've never see it on the menu. Alfredo sauce on the other hand, is a for sure American invention. You'll only find that in the most touristy of places in Rome. Other sauces with a cheese/cream base? sure, but Alfredo sauce is not a thing, not even in the stores.
- Italian soda: this one is just plain funny. I've never had it before, apparently it's these special brand syrups in soda water that they serve in the states and call 'Italian soda' but here in Rome they have never heard of it. When one of the girls asked a waiter if they had it, he didn't even understand the question. ha!
- Gesture talking, etc.: Italians talk pretty loudly, especially during heated discussions. Multiple times I have experienced a frustrated bus rider having it out with the driver and the driver giving it right back. Those Italians, man, they're not afraid to say what they think! I'll say one thing for them, it's handy having one on your side. When I was in St Peter's square smashed in the crowd with everyone else, this one Italian lady was very particular that no one blocked her view or talked over the pope, which was very beneficial to me as well. Oh and did I mention, they are always on their phones. The security guards especially!
- Coffee: I haven't had much first hand experience with this one, but I do know Italians love their coffee and their coffee breaks. All day, every day. They even have coffee/espresso vending machines with more options than the neighboring soda machine.
 |
| mmm food. my rendition of bruschetta |
No comments:
Post a Comment