Whether it’s a rustic medieval town, colourful beach resort or vibrant city there is an undeniable energy to Italy, and its people are at the core.  Quiet afternoons in sleepy towns can explode into vivacious nights as the tanned locals take to the streets, cafes and bars to revel each other’s company, and busy cities swell with the cacophony and chaos of gesticulating inhabitants conversing at decibel levels usually reserved for car horns.

Italians embody la dolce vita, placing family, food, coffee and culture – all the good stuff – at the forefront of their lives.  I reckon we could all learn a thing or two from our European pals, so with that in mind here’s a few reasons why we should all be more Italian.

Food

Pizza, pasta, mozzarella, garlic, olive oil, basil, seafood, gelato.  Need I say more?  No, but I will.  I spent a week in Italy last year and every dish I ate was literally bursting with some delicious ingredient: croissants oozed with chocolate filling, mouth-watering cheeses sizzled on pizzas, fresh tomatoes towered on crispy bruschetta, swirls of pasta laced around giant rosy prawns dripping in butter, and cones buckled under the weight of huge scoops of gelato.

Italian food feels fresh from the earth or sea, it feels rustic, hearty and healthy – and you always get a massive basket of bread with your meal!!

Drink

Sat atop the craggy edge of Vieste’s old town, looking out over the ocean, I supped the best wine I’ve ever, EVER, had in my whole life.  Enjoying a candle lit dinner out in the elements with my flatmate we ordered a carafe of house rosso to compliment both our meals and our budget.  Bracing myself for the all too familiar tang of London’s typical house red, I couldn’t believe my taste buds when some of the most delicious rouge liquid slipped down my throat – bliss.

Style

I’m talking designer brands, shiny shoes, big floppy hats and even bigger sunglasses.  Italian’s in London stick out like a sore thumb, but over there we Brits are underdressed and out-styled every time.  It’s all about elegance and ultimately showing off and I can certainly get on board with that.

And it extends beyond clothes and accessories – even the pastiest Brit can look sexy on a moped or driving a Fiat 500.

Family

Italian’s are all about la famiglia!  It isn’t unusual for Italians to remain in the family home until they start their own career or family, and once you’re all set up don’t be surprised if you’re parents then move in with you.  Everyone plays a caretaking role looking after children, grandchildren and grandparents alike.  Family time is sacred and family meals reside at the heart of social interaction.

Sun

This sun-kissed beauty is blessed with a Mediterranean climate.  Summer heralds glorious days of golden sunlight of which the day-to-day is geared towards enjoying – outdoor seating, open fronted buildings, piazzas, parks, beaches and balconies all allow Italians to chase those golden rays until the sun dips below the horizon.

Coffee

Italian coffee is the best, fact!  Not only the drink itself, but the culture too.  Whilst Brits are choking down pints in crowded pubs where you can’t hear yourself think, Italians are languishing in piazzas slurping espressos and actually enjoying the company of the people around them. And they also serve their coffee with a shot of fizzy water – something I enjoy not just because of my obsession with sparkling beverages, but because it’s the perfect refresher after a strong macchiato or piccolo.  Coffee should be served no other way.

And Italy has the café corretto – literally translated coffee correct – it’s a boozy kick to your caffeine hit.  Well done Italy.

Conversation

Italian’s are no introverts.  If you idly walk past an Italian whispering sweet nothings to his beau down the phone you might just get your ear blown off.  When I first went to Italy I thought everyone was constantly arguing with one another: instead the gusto with which they articulate, the force they put behind their gestures is a mark of their enthusiasm and passion.  Forget those awkward ‘lovely weather we’re having’s, there is no such thing as small talk here; conversation is a heavily valued thing in Italian culture.

Fucks given

From crossing the road to driving, to parking regulations, serving chicken salads, blue drinks that make you hallucinate, underage club-nights called ‘Pussy Night’ and pretty much everything else – Italians give zero fucks.  Whilst this laissez faire attitude can make it rather hard for a slightly nervous Brit driving on the wrong side of the road to not hit anyone in her Fiat 500, the unfaltering commitment to this way of life is nothing but admirable.  I reckon the world would be a much happier place if everyone just gave a few less fucks.