Word of the Day

Buon giorno!  Welcome to Wednesday's word of the day.  And yes, I know that it is Thursday but we are on Italian time here folks.  Let it go and embrace the pace.  Apropos to this, my word of the day today is passeggiata.  This literally means a walk or stroll but has much deeper cultural implications.  The afternoon passeggiata in Italy is a central part of the day, especially weekend days.   Italians get dressed up in their finest and stroll up and down the main streets of their town or city.  As they stroll slowly (and I do mean SLOWLY), they check out everyone else - what they are wearing, who they are with, whether her bag is from last season etc.  They do not go very far but it takes a long time. Unlike Americans who head out at breakneck speed, there is not a destinations.  The Italians will walk somewhere until they decide to turn around and go back.  No purpose except to see, be seen and socialize with fellow strollers.  We need more of this in the States so this weekend, go out for a passeggiata.  Just be careful not to get plowed down by the speed walking soccer mom!  Until next time - ciao!