Italy is known for its food culture, so I came to Rome with high expectations. Let me assure you, all of those expectations were exceeded with flying colors.
After spending over four months living on a diet of pasta, pizza, and gelato, I can testify that the food in Italy is the best in the world. From the cappuccinos at the café near the CEA center to the fresh produce at the market across the river, my taste buds were always more than satisfied.
Italians do food right, and their attitude about it makes it even better. Food is a communal experience. There is no “fast food” here; any time you get food in Italy it’s as socially fulfilling as it is physically.
Italians don’t take their coffee to go, they drink it at the bar and chat with the people around them; they don’t grab a quick bite, they sit and chat for hours (getting the check in Italy is quite the task). Also, Italians give you a lot of free food and wine- and sometimes limoncello depending on the region- especially if you try to speak Italian.
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| He was singing in Italian and tossing the dough around so gracefully and joyfully I had to photograph him. His name is Mario, he made sure I knew that. |
After spending over four months living on a diet of pasta, pizza, and gelato, I can testify that the food in Italy is the best in the world. From the cappuccinos at the café near the CEA center to the fresh produce at the market across the river, my taste buds were always more than satisfied.
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| The best part of my morning routine is getting one-euro cappuccinos with my best friend. |
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| The daily market at Campo dei Fiori is filled with fresh and delicious produce. I love to take pictures of it before I go get pizza and gelato. |
Italians do food right, and their attitude about it makes it even better. Food is a communal experience. There is no “fast food” here; any time you get food in Italy it’s as socially fulfilling as it is physically.
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| The only bad thing about Campo dei Fiori is having to make difficult decisions about what cheese to buy. |
Italians don’t take their coffee to go, they drink it at the bar and chat with the people around them; they don’t grab a quick bite, they sit and chat for hours (getting the check in Italy is quite the task). Also, Italians give you a lot of free food and wine- and sometimes limoncello depending on the region- especially if you try to speak Italian.
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| Even simple pasta and tomato sauce is made to perfection in Italy, bringing laughter and joy to those lucky enough to eat it. |
Now as I get ready to leave this amazing country, I leave with a full belly and a full heart.
Alexandra Harbour is the Spring 2016 CEA MOJO Photographer in Rome, Italy. She is currently a junior at the Providence College.