Like Bread, Like Gold

Being an American in Italy, I get asked a LOT of questions. Am I related to Lebron James? (Probably not, but hey you never know) Do I eat at McDonald's everyday?( Does it look like it?!?) Do I personally know Lady GaGa? (Thank goodness no)The one question I get over and over again is "Italian food is better than American, yes?"Its not a question. They simply wish me to confirm what they already know. And I respond yes, its much better, and they nod, appeased by my admittance of the superiority of their food. They don't really need me to respond- they already know which is better, they simply want to be sure that I to am aware of the fact.
Belive me, I am.
I think I'm cathing on to at least this one aspect of culture. If culture shock means pizza and capucchinos, I think I'm going to survive.
These people take food seriously. There is an old Italian saying, "like bread, like gold", so you can see how much store these people set by their cuisine. Eating in Italy is an event, not a necessity.
As I was informed by my host mother "We do not eat for hunger."