One of the things that most attracted me to the program in Italy was the goal of "introducing students to a slower pace of living." I have always been known for moving. Not in the sense of picking up all of my things and traveling to a new place. Rather, I've always been on-the-go, hesitant to even stop for a moment amidst a jam-packed schedule. I can't imagine myself living any other way, but more than anything this Italian way is a lifestyle I've desired and attempted for the past two years with no success. So now that I am actually picking up all of my things and traveling to a new place across the ocean, I look forward to viewing a difference in myself and the culture all around me. As borders are crossed and comfort levels are expanded and stretched, my heart is craving this advertised stillness.
As I've been researching Orvieto, I've come to find that this town is an official member of Cittaslow, or the "Slow Town" movement. (It's real! http://www.slowmovement.com/) The website for Cittaslow explains it far more eloquently than I am able, but basically the idea is to go against the trend of contemporary culture to move at such a pace that beauty, natural rhythms, and true connections are ignored. Those who belong to the movement seek to make truer connections to people, places, food, nature and life in general by reducing pressure and living tempos. It's connected to another movement called "Slow Food" which provides a resistance to fast food. These discoveries definitely make sense, as they line up with Gordon's program goals and what I expect to find for myself while abroad.
I received a few Italian language learning tools, so I'm using this break to begin teaching myself some elementary Italian. Arrivederci amici!
