Rome Recycles

One of my lasting impressions from this Italian visit is this difference between how Italians and Canadians consume - consume everything from food to space to material goods. Food is purchased for immediate consumption, not for keeping in the often non-existent refrigerator. When you are looking for produce, the owner of the shop will select the fruit or vegtables for you under your watchful eye. Often they are deposited into a brown paper cone (deftly folded by the shop owner) instead of the ubiquitous plastic bag. A cup of coffee is small and immediate. Served in tiny cups on marble counters to be consumed rapidly at the bar. When I was in need of a coffee or a bathroom I'd listen for the musical ring of heavy china saucers hitting marble counters with the tinkling rattle of teaspoons - sure sign of a coffee bar. The cost of admission to the toilet was the minimal cost of an espresso.

Space in Italy is at a premium. As polite Canadians we were always trying to stay out of the way. Impossible. Every square inch is utilized for some purpose or another - there is no 'out of the way'. The corollary of this is that all the space has a useful purpose - be it parking or picnicking. Trains are well used and well loved - they are there to move Italians around, not for comfortable touring. Each space on the train is used, often for multiple purposes. Italians happily inhabit spaces we'd use only for storage of small things. Italians just seem to be happier with less stuff over all.

I really noticed the fact that there was more recycling everywhere in Italy. Mostly plastic and glass, but still recycling. If they instituted composting they'd have it made. I did feel that there was a huge over consumption of bottled water. The fact that almost everywhere in Italy has piped potable water is huge. Why Italians don't trust it I don't understand. Christopher figured out how to ask for tap water when we ate at restaurants. I was surprised how often they'd say it wasn't drinkable and we'd end up with another plastic bottle.

Returning home through Italian and German airports I was so relieved when we arrived in Vancouver international. It is HUGE! We have the luxury of space here in Canada- unfortunately I think we don't always understand that it is a luxury. With all that space it's as if we feel we need to fill it up with stuff, material goods, huge homes, cars, ATVs and campers.