Simplicity and Tradition in Italian Culture

By Eleanor Baker

Our trip to Italy opened my eyes to what the secret ingredient of love really means in a recipe. The simplicity of their cooking brought out the delicate flavors of their produce. You could taste the pride and tradition that has been cultivated and grown in their agricultural practices for years. I have yet again to experience the superb quality of not only the food and wine but the love in their community for one another since leaving the heart of Italy.

I saw blissful simplicity in their food as well as their culture. The locals appeared perfectly satisfied with a few small belongings compared to America where we have an insatiable hunger so great that our small cars have become the size of their garbage trucks! It was beautiful to be engulfed in an area that lived in the moment and cherished the past.

It was a refreshing experience to drive through the countryside surrounded by fields of olive trees, grape vines and wheat, slipping through small cities with a vibrant and active community untainted by advertisement and big industry.

This trip brought about unforeseen friendships and heightened my cultural awareness. I have officially caught a travel bug much to my wallet’s dismay. Having been submerged in a foreign culture has further opened my eyes to how diverse our planet really is and how easy it can be to over look it.