When we told him we were moving to Italy, an AIS parent and new friend of mine, an Italian native now living in Atlanta, encouraged me (quite insistently), to "embrace the lifestyle." I thought it was a funny thing to say - why wouldn't I embrace it? - but I have quickly come to the conclusion that he knows me better than I realize! You could say I can be a little intense now and again...and that doesn't always align with the lifestyle here. But my friend's advice...to embrace the lifestyle...is always in the back of my head.
One thing we are really embracing is one of the simple pleasures of Italian life - walking. Over the last few years I have become a big believer in "solvitur ambulando," a latin expression usually attributed to Saint Augustine that translates "it is solved by walking." It's so true, and it's no coincidence that St. Augustine lived in Italy for many years!
Italians love their walking - you've probably heard about the passeggiata, the leisurely stroll that everyone (or so it seems) takes in the early evening, to socialize and maybe grab a gelato before dinner (yes before gelato). Strolling - definitely something we all need to do more.
As healthy and fun as walking is, it's not always easy to do. Relaxed ambulation requires things like pedestrian-friendly (i.e., car-free) zones, sidewalks, and something you just don't see enough of in many places...benches!
I've been amazed at how prominently benches feature in Italy- whether la campagna (the countryside) or "il viaggio," (the village), you'll always find "una panchina" (aka "una panca"), the simple bench, just when you need one.
It says so much about the lifestyle - as though many, many years ago, before we became car-people, Italy's city planners thought to themselves:
"Isn't it great that our citizens regularly enjoy a good walk, and even a stroll, around our village? Let's support this by installing lots of benches, giving our people resting places all over town. We'll put them in the piazzas, near the markets, and along walking paths. Le panchine will offer respite for the old and the young, and can even be a place for young love to blossom...
Young love blossoms in the parks of Chieri :)
Old friends catching up...An evening gelato...Barbara and Matt!!
So remember, when in doubt...embrace the lifestyle and solvitur ambulando!