A Loooooong Nap

---

Here I am in Florence, where we have spent several days walking around, going to art museums, and exploring all of the leather markets around the city. So far, I have been amazed with all of the amazing artwork and beauty that I can find in this city. It seems as if there is so much to do and not enough time to see everything! I have tried to find time to shop here as well because I want to buy souvineers for both myself and my friends. However, it is always an adventure when trying to shop in this city, and in all of the other cities in Italy, because one can never be quite sure when the stores will be open!

Several times, I have set out to pick up something at the grocery store or a souvineer at a local shop and found it closed for several hours in the middle of the day. I quickly learned here in Florence, and other parts of the country, that many stores shut down in the middle of the day for a long lunch or nap. In addition, I have noticed, especially here, that when walking down the street from day to day, different stores might be open from one day to the next. At first I was so confused by the changing store times and not knowing when things would be open. However, now I see it as more of an adventure because you never know what you might find right down the street each day!

For example, yesterday a friend and I went to the grocery store to pick up some lunch around 12:15pm. When we arrived, the store owner quickly shut and locked the gate to the store behind us. As we walked around, workers were busilly turning off lights, shutting cabinets, and covering displays. One of the workers told us they were closed and we quickly walked to the register. We quickly paid and then had to be personally let out of the store because the gate for the exit had been shut and locked behind us. We soon learned that the store closes for about 4 hours in the middle of the day and that it would be open later. However, in this store, like many others here, there are no signs listing the hours to the stores on the outside the building, leaving people unsure of when the stores are actually open.

Often, people from the United States are labeled as being demanding and in a rush. I see this stereotype reflected in the surprise I feel when stores are not open at all hours they are in the United States. I am so used to being able to run to stores at any hour of the day and get whatever I need. Honestly, I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the idea of not being so demanding with what I need and when I need it. In addition, many of the stores are closed on Sundays, so that people can relax and spend time with their families. I believe that this custom is a wonderful idea because it reminds people to take time out of their busy schedues to basically enjoy life. I think that too often in the U.S., people think that they constantly need to have everything when they want it and that they always have to be busy to be successful in life. However, being here and realizing the benefits of a slower, less intense-paced life, I am beginning to realize the importance of taking time out to enjoy and appreciate things. Hopefully as I continue my time here, I will be able to keep up with this idea and really enjoy every minute of my short time left here in Italy.

---

Comments

[Sherry]

Birthday
Hello Tiffany! You, my sister, are an awesome writer. I really enjoy reading your obsevations. I want to read about your turning 22 in Italy! How was it? I hope you had a wonderful time. I thought about you all day! Happy Birthday my beautiful sister! Much Love!