One of the most apparent differences I’ve noticed after living in Florentine culture for the past two weeks is the slower pace of daily life, especially around meals and customer service. Having lived in Pittsburgh my entire life, I’ve always been used to a faster pace, quick meals, and constant movement. For me, a typical day at Pitt usually involves grabbing coffee between classes or eating dinner while doing homework, emphasizing speed and efficiency. In contrast, Florence seems to value a much more relaxed and intentional rhythm that has felt unfamiliar and, at times a bit frustrating.
Reflecting on my own cultural upbringing, I think a lot of this adjustment stems from our American emphasis on productivity and outcomes. Growing up in Pittsburgh, I’ve learned that being busy is often seen as a sign of success. Whether it’s traffic, communication, or dining—everything tends to move quickly, with this constant sense of urgency. This has left me wondering: what even are the start and end times here in Florence? And how do people stay on schedule—or is there even a schedule at all? Urgency doesn’t seem to exist in the same way here. Instead, there’s a cultural emphasis on valuing time, savoring experiences, and being present in the moment. These are all areas of life I’ve been striving to improve even before coming here, so living in this lifestyle for a month is already deeply impacting my personal growth.
I think the root of this cultural conflict lies in a difference in values. In American culture, time is often seen as something to manage and optimize. But here in Florence, time seems to be something to enjoy. Meals for example are cherished social experiences, and service is slower not due to lack of attention, but because there’s less pressure to move on quickly. Living in this culture has challenged me to reflect more deeply on how I’ve been taught to value speed and efficiency—and what I might be missing when I move too fast.
To work through this cultural difference, I’ve been trying to approach each day with openness and appreciation. By being more present, I’ve started to see late meals as opportunities to slow down, reflect, and consciously enjoy the moment. This shift has been incredibly beneficial for my mental health as well. Rather than feeling frustrated, I’m learning to embrace this relaxed flow and notice the meaningful details I might overlook. One of my main goals is to carry this mindset with me beyond my time in Florence and let it reshape how I navigate life back in Pittsburgh.
