CULTURE
Unparalleled in its diversity, Italy offers delights ranging from fine wines
and exceptional cuisine to high art and great historical sites. The peaceful
Puglia region in southern Italy is renown for its stunning whitewashed coastal
homesteads, serene hills cloaked in olive groves and vineyards, and medieval
villages connected by narrow, winding streets. During free time and on the
weekends, allow the friendliness of the region to embrace you in the cozy
sidewalk cafes and verdant plazas. Volunteers may be invited into the homes
of students or teachers to reflect over coffee or dessert.
If you were to share a meal with a friend - you'll be served
the Puglia region's trademark fare - local specialties of lamb,
seafood, and orrechiette pasta - at your hotel and in local restaurants.
While the food industry has changed the food sector in many parts
of the world, Italian cooking still retains much of the traditions
of fresh ingredients and preparations, but is still able to keep
up with the pace of current society. Volunteers have been much
impressed by the quality of Puglian cuisine.
In Italy, conversation is an art form. Walk along the open cafes
in nearly any town in Italy and you'll observe groups engaged
in intense, animated discussions on a wide variety of topics.
But, Italians don't casually discuss personal matters of religion
or politics. Conversational topics that are appreciated, however,
are (besides family) Italian culture, art, films, food, wine
and, of course, sports, especially football (soccer)! Art is
a big part of Italian culture, and not only visible in its museums.
Colorful streets are lined with buildings of every shape, size,
and color - often charactorized by huge arches and columns. Decorative
windows, steps, and fountains are testimate to a wide variety
of styles and tastes.
As in many countries, dancing is an important component of Italian
culture.
Once such dance, the Tarantella,
originated in the Middle Ages, and is said to be probably the
most recognized song of all the
Italian folklore music. It literally means "tarantula" and
dancers rotate clockwise in a large circle. When the music in
the set changes, and it becomes faster, the dancers quickly change
the direction to counterclockwise.
Frequently seen at authentic Italian weddings, the Tarantella
has several variations depending on the region of the country.
It is often the theme song of many restaurants and pizzerias
throughout the country.
Football (known as soccer in the United States) is a passion
in Italy - claiming a professional soccer team in every major
city! The most popular and skilled players are often national "heros." On
Sundays, the stadiums are packed with fans.
Italian fashion, of course, is world-renown. Dressing is a matter
of status, and demonstrates mature, sophisticated elegance. The
average Italian considers it a matter of personal pride to meet
each day looking well-dressed and tailored. Gucci, Valentino,
Ungaro, Versace and Armani are just a few of the couture heavyweights
whose inspirations fill boutiques from Milan to Rome. Italian
leather is highly prized for its quality and shoppers enjoy stocking
up on fine designer purses, gloves, belts, jackets and shoes.
This enviable sense of style also spills over into the realms
of Italian home furnishings and architecture.
