Mi Piace Cioccolato!!

Three of my roommates and I hopped on a train at 5:45 Friday morning and took off for a chocolate festival in Perugia. Our hostel was a 20 minute train ride from the city of Perugia in small town named Torricella which is on Lake Trasimeno. We had read some raving reviews about the place, but writing did not give justice to the absolutely amazing hostel. After a long day of walking the hilly landscape of Perugia and eating a ton of free chocolate we were pleased to be accommodated with a free ride from the train station to the hostel. Upon arrival we were offered a free dinner in the common room where a huge table was set and about 20 guests were gathered around meeting and eating. The next morning we got free cappuccinos and a delicious breakfast. Saturday after walking by the lake, we headed back to Perugia for MORE chocolate!

Perugia!!!!

The mini metro into Perugia.. Kind of reminded me of a chipotle burrito on tracks..

Everybody loves a little chocolate.



They even had artificial chocolate for dogs...

Chocolate demonstration. We got to eat what they made!

Julia, Maricruz, Desiree

Our lovely hostel!!


My favorite place in Italy so far...

We got back to Rome Saturday night, then decided we were going to go to the Vatican museum early Sunday morning, because it was the only day of the month there was free entrance. When we got there, there were TONS of people and we thought it was because it was free to get in, so we went through security and then followed a huge mob of people into St Peters. Before you knew it we were getting herded into seats and the entire church was filled with people. I heard a security guy say, "Everyone make sure you have your red tickets!" Red tickets? For what? We sat down and then realized mass was about to begin. This was not part of the plan, but even better. We got brochures and found out that this mass was dedicated to praying for the continent of Africa and mass was going to be given by the POPE! The mass was given in about 10 different languages and all of the music was with an African choir and African instruments. IT WAS AMAZING!!!! After mass we were leaving and found out there were thousands of people seated outside the church as well. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!

Home Sweet Home

After 2 weeks of playing tourist and visiting all of the must-sees of Rome, I finally feel settled and have adapted to my weekly routine. I have even been cooking full meals for myself, which may seem hard to believe for all of you who know I am not talented in the kitchen. Tonight me and two of my roommates (Desiree and Maricruz) made a pizza from scratch, a fresh salad, then went all out and set the table and poured ourselves a glass of Proseco to finish it off.






































Here is my apartment and the view out my window Monday through Saturday!


















Friday was World Food Day and our professors got our class invited to the Opening Ceremonies at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and also to a lecture on localizing agriculture and urban farming in the United States. It was really interesting to hear the many different viewpoints on how to alleviate hunger. That's all for now!

More Pictures from the First Week!

Cooking class with Nicoletta!!

My first week in Roma!

8 days ago I was standing at home being harassed by my mom taking pictures of my every move. While sitting in the airport, I decided to browse through my camera and I found three of me brushing my teeth that morning. Attractive. My 22 hours of travel time were quite the experience. When I arrived to LAX the stewardess told me to take the bus to terminal 5 where I would find my connecting flight. Obediently, I followed her directions and arrived at terminal 5 only to find an entire terminal dedicated to Delta Air. Great. Time was running low, but I kept my composure and went to the nearest flight attendant to ask if I could simply get back on the bus and go to the correct terminal (terminal 2). She told me I had to go out of the airport, take a public bus to terminal 2, re-check in, then go to my gate. Politely, I asked "I only have about 45 minutes until my flight leaves, so do you think I can get back on the internal bus?" She replied, "You can stand here and argue with me all you want, but I can't do anything else to help you." Moral of the story: Don't fly Delta! I proceed to run out of the airport, take the public bus, arrive at the ticket counter as it is being shut down, the KLM stewardess calls the plane and says "There is one more passenger, please wait!" I get escorted through security and ran to my gate. WHEW! Oh wait, then they decided to take me aside and search me from head to toe as I was panting and sweating heavily. The flight was fine. My lay over in Amsterdam was long. Then as I landed in Rome, I was nothing but smiles. Smiles until I found out they lost my bags. Agitated and exhausted, I was still uncontrollably happy to finally be in La Citta Eterna!
























































I spent my first weekend playing tourist. I think I walked about 10 miles the first 2 days. Then come Monday, I moved into my apartment and began classes on Tuesday. We are located in Campo di Fiori, which is home to one of the most lively markets during the day then transforms into an active nightlife scene. Class so far has been touring the area, and wandering around the city doing research for our first project. Today we got to go to The American Academy to listen to the author of The Encyclopedia of Pasta speak, and Monday we have cooking class!! Next Friday is World Food Day and since Rome is home to the Food and Agriculture Organization, we get to sit in on some pretty heated debates. I am very excited! Stay tuned!