CHRIS HOLMES (interior architecture major) writes:
Where does time go? We as Americans tend to go go go. Most of our days are full of, well...work. It seems by the time we have a chance to stop and catch our breath, our life has passed us by and all that is left is snapshots of memories along the way. While I am here I am trying to slow myself down and take in the entire Florence environment. It has already gone by too fast and I am trying to remember every detail I possibly can and
not forget them.
While I have been in Italy I have had the chance to observe how relaxed and less stressed the Italian people seem to be. There is a calmness and comfort about this place that I can't quite figure out or truly understand, but I have come across it from time to time. Just the other night I ate at this restaurant and after the meal, the waiter said, "Can I get you anything else?"
"Um...just the check," I replied. "No no no...sit...relax...no problem," ordered the waiter.
I was so used to eating and paying the bill right away in the U.S., that I forgot about what eating out is all about...enjoyment of the meal and surroundings. So I did as he said; I'd just had a great meal and I had my book, so I just sat and read for about another hour. Having worked in the restaurant business in the U.S., I remember our mangers telling us, "The more tables you turn, the more money you make...get the people out of here." Not once have I ever felt as if the Italian businesses are out to just get my money. From the restaurants to the art stores, I have felt extremely comfortable giving the various companies my business.
Below are some pics...the first one is of Kirk [Irwin, interior architecture faculty] and the undergrad class at San Lorenzo, the second is of Kirk and the grads and undergrads on top of the Duomo, the last is of (from left to right): Anca, Chris, Claudia , and Maggie (interior architecture students) at San Lorenzo.
