Posted by chase on Monday, May 15, 2017 in 2017 Blog post.

I decided to observe how the older citizens of Cefalù greet each other on a daily basis as they pass each other on the street; to acquire the most variety in social interaction, I didn’t stay in one spot but casually walked around after playing some soccer on the beach. Most of the younger people of Cefalù have a more modern style of dress and slick haircuts, but the adults that pass the time with an afternoon walk or stand outside their shops are dressed modestly and slightly less casual than the rest. Their faces are beautiful and tan, yet weathered and characteristic of a life well spent. As I wandered the many small streets of the city, I saw and heard several interactions of which I assume occur each day. I liken the interactions to how my aunts and uncles act when they’re all together—joking around when possible with a firm backing of fraternal love while greeting and departing. The citizens’ physical contact upon greeting always includes a hug and sometimes kisses on the cheek, no matter male or female. Although I have seen this sort of interaction in the US, in Cefalù it is much more pronounced with an emphasis on putting aside current duties to give proper attention to the other person. I feel that adults in the US feel less comfortable with physical interaction and eye contact unless they are old friends, but in my opinion, this sort of interaction is entirely necessary for growth in friendships. Physical contact and personal attention provide a familiar warmth that is often found in family interaction at home, and their use in Sicily—and Italy as a whole—reveals tight-knit communities centered around family.

I also noted strong public displays of affection. If one passed by a couple making out on a bench along the boardwalk in the US, it would be mostly regarded as indecent and even offensive, but the Italians won’t bat an eye. I would say that this conventional view of public love separates Americans from Italians in a way, but again and in my opinion, seeing love being spread throughout the community daily only adds to the beauty of the land. My third and final observation of the community is the no-bullshit nature of the Italians when expressing themselves. Although I can’t understand everything they’re saying when I pass by, there is noticeable emotion in their speech that shortens the distance when connecting their words to their feelings. Too often can I hear the falseness in people’s voices and see the covering of emotions in the US with daily interaction, even amongst friends. Without true expression, it’s impossible to achieve a sense of fraternal love that seems to flow easily here in Cefalù. But why is this the case? I believe that part of the problem has to do with a topic discussed in one of our classes regarding planned communities. After talking today with a native 23-year-old aspiring architect named Dario, I found that the population of Cefalù is roughly 8,000 people. I believe that since the community is not planned, but rather the population lives roughly in the same area, it is easier for the people to become closer to each other and to feel more comfortable in daily interaction. This familial presence and the beautiful sights that the land has to offer provide me with a constant warmth when taking my afternoon walk.