Food is our common ground, a universal
experience. Every nation has its own unique dish that personifies its culture
and its people. When deciding to study abroad in
Italy, I was certain that the cuisine was going to be the most delicious,
mouth-watering meals to ever grace my tummy. I mean, it is Italy – the noodle capital of the world. I expected to be
wined and dined by the finest pastas and breads, cheeses and fruits, and of
course, beverages.
What I wasn’t ready for, however, was the array of various food genres at my fingertips. Before landing in Rome, Italy, I assumed that the only food groups Italians ate were pasta, grain, vegetables, and fruit. I was naïve to the idea that individuals of different nationalities and cultures would have an effect on the food industry of the country.
What I wasn’t ready for, however, was the array of various food genres at my fingertips. Before landing in Rome, Italy, I assumed that the only food groups Italians ate were pasta, grain, vegetables, and fruit. I was naïve to the idea that individuals of different nationalities and cultures would have an effect on the food industry of the country.
On my daily walk to
school, I would pass traditional Asian restaurants, American-inspired burger
joints, and food stands that sold unique African dishes. And at these select
locations, people of numerous backgrounds, whether they be locals or travelers,
were about to indulge in the uniqueness edibles the city had to offer.
My favorite eating
experience involved the one food I promised myself I would never try – octopus. Now, I’m no fan of seafood, but I was across the world, in another
country, in a beautiful city, for the first time. So why not be bold?
It was at a
restaurant down the street from my apartment, the day before my flight to leave
Rome. I had stuffed myself with spaghetti, bread, sandwiches, hard cheeses, and
gelato for weeks, with the one-time indulgence of McDonald’s (because my
American taste buds were craving French fry’s). I was determined to try
something different, to try something that hadn’t become a familiarity.
My roommates
convinced me to order the octopus as our waiter was grinning from the corner of
the table at our bickering. I wasn’t going to order the meal at first, but I
was dared. And you can’t back out of a dare. So I ordered...and I loved it. It
was the sweetest, yummiest thing I had ever tasted. It was served alongside a
honey custard sauce that was heavenly.
I had ate octopus and lived
to tell the tale.
Studying abroad is an
adventure, as well as an opportunity to push oneself outside of their comfort
zones and try something new, no matter how big or small the change may be. Italy was the most rewarding
experience I have yet to have, and I cannot wait to do it again. Perhaps the
next time I visit, I’ll try the dish again! Because
I haven’t had seafood since.
-MyKayla, study abroad peer advisor and #HogsAbroad alum of the U of A Rome Center
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Don't miss your opportunity to make culinary memories of your own!
-MyKayla, study abroad peer advisor and #HogsAbroad alum of the U of A Rome Center
--
Don't miss your opportunity to make culinary memories of your own!
Check out http://studyabroad.uark.edu/romecenter for more
information on the U of A Rome Center.
If you need help getting started with study abroad, take a
look at this: http://studyabroad.uark.edu/getting-started/index.php
