Cady Hoffman: StoryMap – Geography 210: Geographic Dimensions of Human Development

In my life and travels, food has become not just a life source but a method of experiencing other cultures and connecting with the world around me. My favorite restaurants around the world have impacted me as a person and informed me about the study of geography and its impacts. From Buffalo to Budapest, each of my favorite meals reminds me of the people I experienced it with and the memories that we share. For example, when I think of my decision to enroll in the University of Richmond, I am reminded of the dinner at the Jefferson Hotel where my family dined on Southern cuisine. As I experienced authentic Italian pasta, goulash in Hungary, Sachertorte and Wiener schnitzel in Vienna, I learned more and more about these cultures. I gained important insights about these people and places through my travel and immersions in these locales. Today I bring these reflections and look forward to more valuable opportunities where I can learn about my world. Food is a method of exploring cultures and is one of the ways that connects us all. When I travel and experience the local culture, I become a global citizen.

Ellen Brooks says:

October 1, 2015 at 2:09 pm

I love the way you tied together food as an important part in your travel experiences. Every culture has its own food to go with it, like it’s a reflection of its culture and ideals. Your point about tourism affecting the local food and economy was interesting, as in Rome where they had menus in English as well but in less tourist-driven places this may not be the case.

D.J. says:

October 1, 2015 at 2:12 pm

Nice job! I really liked how you created a relationship between cuisine and culture. I also found it interesting how restaurant menus were different in Rome and Naples.

Chloe Lubin-Kirchner says:

October 6, 2015 at 1:14 pm

I honestly decided to comment after reading the first few words and noticing that you were going to talk about food. I can very much relate to your food story, as my family also reunites over food. When we are altogether during breaks, which is becoming rarer, we usually have an hour-long lunch or dinner. During those meals, food leads us to enjoy discussing about many topics: literature, history, geopolitics, etc. Food leads to discussion, and is anthropologically one of the elements that highlights special occasions within a culture.
Having an Italian tradition in your family as well as a more obvious American one, how do you find this “blend” of different cultures in your home cooked dishes? Do you also cook different kinds of food?