Blog 2: Would you rather do fieldwork in a town like Hobart or a city like Milan?

I would rather do fieldwork in a city like Milan. Personally, I have more interest in Italy, knowing that I am of Italian descent. My grandfather, my father’s father, is an avid traveler with European blood. He spends his time in other countries such as Norway, Ecuador, Canada, Spain, etc. The rare occasions that we see him, he reminisces on his days spent in Italy. He cooks Italian food and uses Italian words. He speaks highly of the different cities in the country and the local people he spent his time with.

I think understanding the culture of a bigger city would be more beneficial. I would be able to compare my experiences to those my grandfather has told me about. He would even be able to link me with local informants, making the process of studying the local people a little easier. He would be able to set me up with some of the local people he still stays in contact with.

I think to understand the Italian culture, you have to experience a major city like Milan. You have to immerse yourself in the city from the fashion to the soccer games. I grew up as a dedicated soccer player in a soccer family, so that aspect would not be difficult for me.

I feel as if doing fieldwork in a city like Milan would be more beneficial for myself. Not only in the aspect of keeping me entertained while still experiencing the culture, but also in the aspect of having informants that could lead to other informants.