Upon our arrival to Ariccia, we were greeted warmly with food and wine. A lot of food and wine. We have learned about the Italian culture and how dining is more of an event than we consider it to be in the United States. Italians take the time to sit and truly enjoy their meals. We’ve also learned that many restaurants offer what is called aperitivo where you order a glass of wine and you also get a plate of various meats and cheeses. Our first wine tasting class was a sort of aperitivo because we were offered wine with the accompaniment of the meat and cheese plates. However, then we were to plan the aperitivo for not only our professors, but also the people of Ariccia whom we have grown closest with over the past month.
We were excited to put our own American spin on the traditional Italian aperitivo and when explaining the concept of this experience to others back home I would simply say, “It’s an Italian happy hour.” We provided red and white wines, sparkling water, various meats and chesses, bruschetta of all types, and more! We patiently awaited the arrival of our guests so they could indulge in our spread and mingled and got to know more about our professors and other visitors. Although we have already learned so much about our professors’ lives inside the classroom, it was interesting to talk with them about differences between the United States and Italy on various subjects. One thing in particular that really stuck out to me was when one of our professors said that Americans don’t make as much of an effort to learn other languages like they do in Europe, for example. We agreed but also related it to the fact that when we travel or go on vacation, we usually stay within the United States, traveling to other states, whereas in Europe, you can easily travel to different countries and learn about their languages and cultures. Our professor agreed, but also continued to say something that really surprised me. He told us that his opinion was that we, being the United States and specifically our generation, is the world. He said that it is his hope that we are accepting and open minded to other countries and cultures.
I was surprised to hear that he held the United States to such high standards, especially knowing stereotypical views Europeans have of Americans, but I was also honored. I reassured him as best that I could because as a whole I think the United States and especially our younger generation, is very open to changing laws and society. It is this open-mindedness that will allow us to branch out from what we know and enhances our desire to learn about other countries and cultures. It made me feel good to know that someone not only agreed with the choices I was making to study abroad but also encouraged further knowledge and discovery to really change the world.

Our spread of wine and wine cookies in preparation for the aperitivo!
Shaye Sullivan