Dining out in Italy has been an unexpected but pleasant difference from dining out in the United States. While everything at home from grocery shopping to eating out is fast paced, things here are done more slowly. Daily activities that have become routine in the United States are treated as events to be enjoyed in Italy.

My first dining out experience abroad was in Florence, or Firenze in Italian. Other Consortium of International Universities students and I sat down at Trattoria Za Za for lunch after a morning of sightseeing and museums. Having planned a busy afternoon as well, we expected to be in and out of lunch within an hour, especially because we only ordered pizza and wine. In total, our meal took about two hours. No rushing by the waiter, no asking if you were finished so your plate could be cleared, no hurrying you along to free the table for other customers. We were allowed to sit, eat and talk as long as we wanted. For the first time I felt relaxed during a meal. I took my time experiencing the food, as well as conversation with friends.

If there is one thing I take home from my experience abroad, I want it to be that sense of relaxation and enjoyment – to experience life, not just rush though it.

Lauren E. Renz, St. Louis

Kansas University junior, communication studies major