The people of Rome are beautiful. Now I have a better understanding of the phrase "ugly American". For me, in Rome, it's not just about the way we behave in foreign countries it really is about being ugly. I feel very homely. There are good looking people in Roma.
Appearance means something here. When I went out to see the "Tosca" performance I was wearing the best clothes I had along but I was definitely under dressed. These people know how to present themselves. They know jeans and shorts are not appropriate for every occasion.
Sometimes jeans are appropriate. A woman told me the Italians buy fewer but very expensive clothes. Americans have 10 or more pairs of jeans but Italians may only have 2 or 3 but they are the best jeans they can afford.
You don't see obesity here either. There are overweight Romans but obesity doesn't seem to exhist here. Maybe its because of the cigarettes. By the way, I have taken up smoking again while I'm here and that could help me lose some weight but I will quit again when I leave.
Maybe it's because they take their time when they eat. An outing to a restaurant is very casual, they stay for a long time and their courses are many but small. Taking their time to eat and having a rest period in between courses gives you some time to realize you are getting full.
Before I left I was trying to take off some weight mainly because I knew I'd be packing it on here. Since I arrived I have kept up on the exercise with running and biking. Despite my effoets my belly remains bigger than it should but I'll keep up the activities. The smoking of course will help too. Okay the truth is I did not start smoking again, I just said that hoping it might get a comment from Jackie who has yet to post any comments on my blog.
Ciao tutti,
I will be moving the motorcycle.
ReplyDeleteEuropeans in general are not obese because they WALK everywhere. And eat healthier, less processed food.
ReplyDeleteActually, Jackie and I have made great progress in the garage. Thankfully, you can each get your car in there now. It really only took us a short time, two women can accomplish so much in so little time. It is much easier to get rid of the possessions of others' than ones own.,,
ReplyDeleteQuick question...food better in Northern or Southern Italy?
ReplyDeleteVery funny about the garage. I have installed booby traps throughout the garage to prevent such an event from happening.
ReplyDeleteNurse Nell you are right. The families and children here of a lower economic class have access to much healthier food. I have yet to see a child with a bag of hot cheetos or Doritos. Fruit and vegetables are cheap and readily available.
Diane as far as a food preference between north and south I don't have enough experience to tell. The closest I came to norther cuisine was Tuscany and not enough to get a good sampling. The food in Ripabottoni had quite a bit of spice to it, very good. The food in Sorrento has for me been mainly seafood since I'm right on the coast. Every meal from pizza to seafood to pizza has been outstanding.z
Actually, I was jealous and excited when you said you had started smoking just for Italy; I told Brett I wasn't surprised, and wished I was there w/you to share a hand-rolled cig. But knowing you, it's probably better if you never have a puff again; me? I can go ahead and have one or 10 and just give it up again after the trip or the night, but likely not as easy for you.
ReplyDeleteWhen I DO go to Italy someday, I am going to smoke at cafes, for sure!
I envy you for being able to start and stop smoking. I would have one puff, probably get a good buzz from it and then just keep going. There have been times here where it seemed appealing but I followed a guy into the restaurant for breakfast today and he smelled like an ashtray doused in perfume.
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