Culture |
|
| Unparalleled in its diversity, Italy
offers delights ranging from fine wines and exceptional
cuisine to high art and great historical sites. The
peaceful Puglia region in southern Italy is renown for
its stunning whitewashed coastal homesteads, serene hills
cloaked in olive groves and vineyards, and medieval
villages connected by narrow, winding streets. During
free time and on the weekends, allow the friendliness of
the region to embrace you in the cozy sidewalk cafes and
verdant plazas. Volunteers may be invited into the homes
of students or teachers to reflect over coffee or
dessert. If you were to share a meal with a friend -
you'll be served the Puglia region's trademark fare -
local specialties of lamb, seafood, and orrechiette pasta
- at your hotel and in local restaurants. While the food
industry has changed the food sector in many parts of the
world, Italian cooking still retains much of the
traditions of fresh ingredients and preparations, but is
still able to keep up with the pace of current society.
Volunteers have been much impressed by the quality of
Puglian cuisine. In Italy, conversation is an art form. Walk along the open cafes in nearly any town in Italy and you'll observe groups engaged in intense, animated discussions on a wide variety of topics. But, Italians don't casually discuss personal matters of religion or politics. Conversational topics that are appreciated, however, are (besides family) Italian culture, art, films, food, wine and, of course, sports, especially football (soccer)! Art is a big part of Italian culture, and not only visible in its museums. Colorful streets are lined with buildings of every shape, size, and color - often charactorized by huge arches and columns. Decorative windows, steps, and fountains are testimate to a wide variety of styles and tastes. |
|
 |
 |