“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”
I have arrived in the land of dreamy landscape, meals of length and gregarious people. Yes, my little Italian life is starting. After two weeks of quarantine, escaping outside to see nature and take in the landscape was a must, as was the need to be with people.
And yet now, I find myself back in my introverted shell. Being with others, and the constant sounds of voices, the decreased amount of time spent alone all of this is more profound here in this beautiful country than anywhere else I have ever lived. Explaining to someone that you need to be alone is for some living here a foreign concept.
Perhaps you are tired and need a siesta is what I am told. The siesta that is something understood, but the recharging of the brain from the over stimulus of others is a much more difficult concept to explain. Add to this concept learning a new language, and my brain is on overdrive. With the amount of people, the noise from cars, the outdoor conversations, and the music from the windows it is clear why an introvert like myself must work hard to find the right balance.
Learning to balance my introversion with my extroversion starts at the dinner table. Italians love food. They love to discuss it, to eat it, and to be knowledgeable of its history. All of this is very important and meant to be shared. For example, the glass of white frizzante wine must be drunk cold, the pasta fresh from the boiling water must be eaten hot, and then, and only then, can the speaking cease.
However, the sounds and gestures of communication, never stop. The mmm’s and the occasional “Buona” is reiterated until the bowl of pasta is done and then the laughter, the questions, and maybe even singing can start again. I am an introvert living in an extroverts world here in Italy. It will take time to adapt. That is what living abroad is all about I think. Adapting, changing, and still marveling at who you are inside.
Introverts don’t stop being introverts, but, learning to take time to find the moments of internal silence amongst a world of cacophony now that to me is a truly skilled wallflower.
I am looking forward to learning how to acclimate my internal solitude with the external love of the Italian people. I will let you know how it goes…
Until next time..Eat well, drink well, and love your life. Ciao from Italy.