My name is Anna and I am Russian, but Italy has now become my second home. I studied and worked in Florence; the country and the people have left an indelible mark on my heart; I fell in love with the Italian language and culture. I am following with anguish what you are facing in these months and I would very much want to support you in some way, I just don't know how. I wrote a small letter to Italy, describing ten reasons why I fell in love with it, in which I tried to convey all the love I have for your country. I really think that such content can cheer up a bit and give resources to keep fighting; and I'd like to be able to share it with as many people as possible. I really hope you take a look at it and enjoy it.
1) The beauty of nature
It is no coincidence that Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world. Embraced by the sea, embellished by mountains, hills and lakes, surrounded by greenery; from the light green of the olive trees, the darker green of the pines to the dark green of the cypresses, it is of an overwhelming beauty. Traveling from region to region the landscapes change and each one represents something different and unrepeatable. Living in Tuscany in one day you can organize a day at the beach, or, using the same time, go skiing in the mountains, walking in a natural park or in the hills. It is incredible that the conditions have formed within a country to do activities for all tastes, and always at hand.
2) Beauty created by man
Side by side with the extraordinary gift of nature goes the human being's ability not to ruin natural beauty, but to be able to make architecture coexist with nature in a harmonious way. Unlike many places where human activity completely destroys the intrinsic harmony of a place, three-four-story buildings in warm colors with shutters fit perfectly into the surrounding environment, not to mention red-tiled roofs, buildings and churches, historical masterpieces of unmistakable beauty. Along with the ability to create, you also have the ability to preserve and preserve one's history. Isn't it impressive that Italy boasts the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world? Isn't it sensational that Rome has a history dating back almost three thousand years, and we can still touch it and contemplate it live? Isn't it incredible that Florence, like many other large cities, has remained intact in its historic center, let alone the small medieval villages, where time seems to have stopped.
3) The traditions
I like that the family is considered a sacred thing, that children often have very tender relationships with their parents. I like the fact that there are so many regional traditions that count for many centuries, the carnivals, or, to say, the historical Florentine football or the Palio di Siena. I think that being faithful to one's own traditions, unless they are in fact antiquated and inhibitory, now out of place, means maintaining the link with one's roots, losing which one also risks losing one's identity.
4) The mentality
The Italian people are known throughout the world for their expressiveness. Growing up in Russia, where this characteristic is very often lacking, I am fascinated by your ability to express feelings, thoughts and moods not only through words, but also through gestures and intonation. Combined with the habit of talking a lot and about everything and the apparent vitality, expressiveness adds to the natural and architectural beauty also the beauty of an emotionally open and alive people. Another thing that struck me immediately is the welcome and being friendly and open. The welcome is perceived from the first moments, when at passport control they greet you with a smile; and always accompanies you, whether you go to a dinner or simply to have a coffee in a bar.
5) The language
It would be trivial to say that Italian is one of the most beautiful languages in the world (and the most beautiful of all for me). I would like to focus on other aspects, in addition to its evident beauty and musicality. For me it is a language that more than many others (I have personally studied seven) favors the expression of feelings. The language is formed by the people who speak it; and the expressiveness of the Italians meant that the language became emotionally rich. The language contains several nuances relating to feelings, emotions and attitude. For example, not all languages allow you to express love in at least two different ways: I love you and I love you. And how many words can we use to communicate that we are angry? Point blank I could name at least nine, obviously of a different semantic weight: anger, rage, anger, indignation, resentment, rage, fury, indignation, exasperation. Let alone the subjunctive, a construction that can be used to express one's attitude or degree of certainty. So besides being a beautiful language, Italian is also literally comfortable for communicating and being able to express oneself.
6) Culture (or rather cultures)
We can talk endlessly about Italian culture. Architecture, literature, history, art… It would take an entire library to describe all that Italy has given to the world. One who arrives in Italy for the first time is terrified by the art that surrounds him: historic buildings, museums, bridges and towers, sculptural and artistic masterpieces. The visual impact is doubled by the auditory one: whether you go to the theater to listen to opera, get acquainted with Italian music, or hear the language around, which is musical in itself. But the best thing that always amazes me is the cultural diversity. Each of the twenty regions gives something unique to the national cultural framework, be it regional traditions; of dialects that are very often very difficult to understand unless one knows them; cooking; of different ways of living. Each region, marked by its own particular history, enriches the general cultural panorama in its own way, making it expressive, of great impact, which is imprinted in the memory.
7) The music
Music is part of culture, but for me it must also be considered separately. Not to mention the Italian classical music which is famous all over the world. My first approach to Italian music went through Celentano, Pupo, Ricchi and Poveri - all famous in Russia since the 80s. Then I discovered and loved De André, De Gregori, Battisti, Dalla and, above all, Battiato. Their songs manage to penetrate deeply into the heart, but they also have a characteristic that I would dare to call "Italianness". Musicians of this genre are so authentic and genuine that through the music they make they transmit to the world the most beautiful jewels of the Italian soul. I obviously appreciate the music of all peoples from all countries… But who but the Italians can speak in such a beautiful way of love? Of happy or unhappy love, of reciprocal and non-reciprocal love… Who can speak in such an incredible way about everything around us, who can make such music with such a text? The most beautiful language in the world and the extraordinary vocals harmonize with the music that comes from the soul and together they make fantastic masterpieces.
8) The kitchen
Cuisine is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to Italy. Pizza and pasta have conquered the world, but unfortunately the knowledge of Italian cuisine is often limited to these widespread dishes. On the other hand, Italian cuisine is multifaceted and refined. Risottos, cheeses and meats; amazing sweets. Here the benefits of cultural diversity always come into play and each region brings something delicious in its own way. The quality of the raw materials is remarkable. While in some countries spices, salt and various sauces are used excessively to intensify the flavor; the simplicity of some Italian dishes does not flatten them, because as the products are good and of quality in themselves, they do not need to be masked. Through the relationship you have with food you can see how important it is for you to enjoy life: what for many others is nothing more than a need, you know how to transform into an art that can be savored, which can become a sublime pleasure.
9) Distance and spaces
Maybe I come from Moscow, which is a huge city, but I always feel a very strong influence of distance on the mentality. Italy is smaller, cities are smaller and more compact, many streets are narrow. The first thing I noticed in Rome and Florence was the space between the tables in many restaurants, its almost absence; and the way of parking that at first seemed absurd: how many times have I seen someone slip between two cars in a confined space without leaving even twenty centimeters away and hit the car behind, perhaps even more than once. Physical distance affects how social life is organized, that is, in my opinion, people are "forced" to stay closer to each other, and over time the psychological one arises from physical proximity. In Italy I found this thing that I have always lacked in Russia - the psychological distance between people is different. It is easier to meet someone on the street, to establish dialogue with a stranger. People seem less isolated from each other; we smile more, we talk about each other more; exchange more; it feels like belonging to something bigger instead of being alone.
10) The sun
It may seem like an insignificant detail or a foregone conclusion, but the sun has a huge impact not only on the climate, but on the mentality. For someone who lives practically without sun six months a year, the difference is immeasurable. Italy is a country kissed by the sun, and this can be seen from the nature that is grateful to it and from the people who reflect this light, radiating it.
Dear Italy, I hope for your speedy recovery, so we can see you again soon, I love you.
Anna
