Lifestyle that is Italy...
Italians have a passion for eating and for talking and are a very warm nation of people who love to enjoy life to the full. Due to the fantastic climate the Italian Lifestyle can relax all year round which allows them to mix with familiy and friendss both indoors and especially outdoors. Eating is focal to the family group system and whether at home at the kitchen table or relaxing outdoors by the sea in their favourite restaurant they can enjoy the traditions of the Italian cuisine which is world renowned.
Due to the open and friendly social system Italians of all ages engaged in chating about a variety of topics ranging from family, work, politics, gossip, food, wine and sports and especially Italian soccer which sends the heart racing for the average Italian male..
The piazza or square is the central meeting point eveywhere from the largest cities to the most rural of villages and supplies a focus for cultural events such as festivals, celebrations such as weddings and anniversaries and well as political events. The only times during the day that the piazzas and streets around Italy may be deserted are around 12.30-14.00 and 19.30-21.30. These are the times when Italians are home enjoying a meal.
To the real Italian, lunch is a 1 to 2 hour affair with traditionally a two to three course meal, which explains why most things halt for two hours during the day. Stores shut down, banks close, and the streets are empty. At around 2 o’clock people start to emerge from their houses and populate the streets again until around 19.30 when it is time for dinner. After dinner, the streets come to life again as Italians stroll around the piazza to work off their meal or head off for their evening engagements.
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