One last rub of the lucky hog before we depart Florence.
Alex, Tania and I
Molly, Taylor and Alex
The 6 of us from 37 Via San Zanobi
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Last Dinner Together :)
One last rub of the lucky hog before we depart Florence.
Alex, Tania and I
Molly, Taylor and Alex
The 6 of us from 37 Via San Zanobi
The Last Night
It is Saturday morning, May 16th 2009. This is the last full day in Florence, and what emotions I am feeling. Yesterday morning, Alex went to the airport to get her parents, who have come to spend the week with her traveling before she returns to the states. Taylor went around 2pm yesterday to pick her mom up from the airport as well, who was there with the surprise of her best friend! It was an emotional day for us, the parents being the true sign that the end of this semester and the abroad experience is here.
I am all packed, hard to believe that I have fit my life from the past four months into two large black bags, and my backpack. If we can take a moment to say a prayer that my bags are under the weight limit and I don't have to pay millions to get my luggage home, that would be appreciated! I have taken the time to go through my clothes from the semester and got rid of a full trash bag. These clothes were sent to Abruzzo, where the earthquake took place a few months back. The people down there lost everything, so the chance to give back a little to this country.
Tania has spent the last week here with me, she left this morning back t Virginia, where I will actually see her tomorrow when I return to the states. We had a wonderful time together, spent a day in Venice with Alex and the two of us also went to Pisa for the day to see the tower. I think Tania was overwhelmed by the city, and she became aware of the Italian way of life. She actually managed to roam the streets a few times while I was taking finals and such, so that was great. And of course, she enjoyed some Italian Pizza, which made her very happy!
Speaking of finals, all went well! I am hoping to get my grades in the next few weeks, but the papers I received had big A's on the top, and my written finals felt strong. Practicals were fun, the students in my classes and I worked together to finish the assignment recipes on time. It was a successful semester, and I am looking forward to some more cooking when i get home!
Riverview Farms Catering is busy for the summer, and of course, always looking for more work. I am planning to get as may hours in, with catering, childcare, and anything else that comes my way, to pay off my loan from the semester and start to save for my next adventure in this world.
Off to roam the streets one last time, and of course, one last gelato before I board my 6:30am flight back to Dulles. I will be in Virginia until Wednesday afternoon, when I get on the last leg of my travels to San Fransico, landing around midnight.
Until my final destination is reached, I send you love!
Ciao Bella, Ti Amo :)
I am all packed, hard to believe that I have fit my life from the past four months into two large black bags, and my backpack. If we can take a moment to say a prayer that my bags are under the weight limit and I don't have to pay millions to get my luggage home, that would be appreciated! I have taken the time to go through my clothes from the semester and got rid of a full trash bag. These clothes were sent to Abruzzo, where the earthquake took place a few months back. The people down there lost everything, so the chance to give back a little to this country.
Tania has spent the last week here with me, she left this morning back t Virginia, where I will actually see her tomorrow when I return to the states. We had a wonderful time together, spent a day in Venice with Alex and the two of us also went to Pisa for the day to see the tower. I think Tania was overwhelmed by the city, and she became aware of the Italian way of life. She actually managed to roam the streets a few times while I was taking finals and such, so that was great. And of course, she enjoyed some Italian Pizza, which made her very happy!
Speaking of finals, all went well! I am hoping to get my grades in the next few weeks, but the papers I received had big A's on the top, and my written finals felt strong. Practicals were fun, the students in my classes and I worked together to finish the assignment recipes on time. It was a successful semester, and I am looking forward to some more cooking when i get home!
Riverview Farms Catering is busy for the summer, and of course, always looking for more work. I am planning to get as may hours in, with catering, childcare, and anything else that comes my way, to pay off my loan from the semester and start to save for my next adventure in this world.
Off to roam the streets one last time, and of course, one last gelato before I board my 6:30am flight back to Dulles. I will be in Virginia until Wednesday afternoon, when I get on the last leg of my travels to San Fransico, landing around midnight.
Until my final destination is reached, I send you love!
Ciao Bella, Ti Amo :)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
12 days and counting!! :)
Its been so long since I have blogged!
Its crunch time here in Florence, only 12 more days until I leave this place which has become my home, and I am having bittersweet emotions around the thought. I am so excited to come home, ready to get back into the swing of things and start making some money! I miss everyone so much, I am so happy the weather is getting nice and school is ending for everyone. I am looking forward to the beach this summer, camping and lots more fun activities. I am going to Alaska in July for 8 days because Tessa Dahlen and Danny Amos are getting married up there. I have never been to Alaska, and really looking forward to it!
But alas, leaving Italy will bring tears to my eyes. I have loved this country for the past four months, its strengths and weaknesses alike. I have learned some valuable information in school, met some of the most dearest people, and truly fell in love with traveling and seeing the world. There are so many places I want to travel, people I want to meet, things to do and see, and I really feel like being here for the past four months has really given me inspiration to do so. I would love to spend the next five years of my life working for a period of time, traveling some, and then working some more. This would be so great!
So here is my speech to those of you feeling like some change is needed in your future:
Get out there and see the world! Go somewhere you have ALWAYS wanted, and take the time to explore the wonders of this planet. Experience something new, eat food you thought you would never try, stick your head out of the Eurostar train window and let the breeze take your breath away. Swim in the many different waters, let the smooth stones on the beaches of Capri massage the bottoms of your feet. Meet new people, try and speak their language without embarrassment. Share stories about your home with others, and help someone to make their day a little brighter. Enjoy the sun setting on different cities, dance to music you have never heard before, and most of all, enjoy the differences in people, because this world is everything but black and white.
I love you all with great passion, and can't wait to be home in the redwoods. Westcliff, you are in need of my new running shoes:)
Ciao Bella
Its crunch time here in Florence, only 12 more days until I leave this place which has become my home, and I am having bittersweet emotions around the thought. I am so excited to come home, ready to get back into the swing of things and start making some money! I miss everyone so much, I am so happy the weather is getting nice and school is ending for everyone. I am looking forward to the beach this summer, camping and lots more fun activities. I am going to Alaska in July for 8 days because Tessa Dahlen and Danny Amos are getting married up there. I have never been to Alaska, and really looking forward to it!
But alas, leaving Italy will bring tears to my eyes. I have loved this country for the past four months, its strengths and weaknesses alike. I have learned some valuable information in school, met some of the most dearest people, and truly fell in love with traveling and seeing the world. There are so many places I want to travel, people I want to meet, things to do and see, and I really feel like being here for the past four months has really given me inspiration to do so. I would love to spend the next five years of my life working for a period of time, traveling some, and then working some more. This would be so great!
So here is my speech to those of you feeling like some change is needed in your future:
Get out there and see the world! Go somewhere you have ALWAYS wanted, and take the time to explore the wonders of this planet. Experience something new, eat food you thought you would never try, stick your head out of the Eurostar train window and let the breeze take your breath away. Swim in the many different waters, let the smooth stones on the beaches of Capri massage the bottoms of your feet. Meet new people, try and speak their language without embarrassment. Share stories about your home with others, and help someone to make their day a little brighter. Enjoy the sun setting on different cities, dance to music you have never heard before, and most of all, enjoy the differences in people, because this world is everything but black and white.
I love you all with great passion, and can't wait to be home in the redwoods. Westcliff, you are in need of my new running shoes:)
Ciao Bella
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Amalfi- Naples, Capri and Pompei
What an amazing part of Italy. The Amalfi Coast is truly a gem, and is certainly one of my favorite places I have visited in this country. We started the trip on a bus that left at 6:30 am Friday morning. Early, yes, but we were excited, so time was not an issue for me. There were 75 of us students on the trip, so two full buses on the road, and we were off.
We arrived in Napoli in the early afternoon and had a few hours to wander the city. Here is some history on this city. Its really old, HAHA. OK, so most of the towns are really old. Anyways, its a very large city, the third largest in Italy behind Milan and Rome. It is the pick-pocketing capitol of Italy, and therefor is pretty dangerous to be in at night, and especially alone, or being a woman. There are parts of town that even a group of full grown adult men should not be in at night. But, none the less, an important city, famous for their Pizza. It was very tasty, I must say, but not the best I have had in Italy.
After jumping back on the bus, we headed to our hotel to unload and rest before dinner. Everyone was pretty wiped from being up early and crammed on the bus for so long. Dinner was served at a local restaurant, and wasn't very good. But, it was food none the less, so I was not going to complain.
The next day, Saturday, we spent on the island of Capri. What a stunning island, very beautiful and rich in seafood and lemons. All day we slept on the beach, basking in the sun watching the crystal clear water wash up on the rocks! So amazing! The island is small, but full of many amazing things, including beautiful caves, fresh lemons, and expensive shopping and stunning beaches. I really enjoyed swimming, and the smile from ear to ear is still beaming across my face as I reflect on the time at the beach.
Pompei was also amazing, which is where the group spend Sunday morning. The ruins are incredible, and the view of Mt. Vesuvius is so neat! What a story this place has, its rich history is something worth learning.
The bus left Sunday around 2pm and we arrived back home in Florence around 8pm. We all passed out from the sun and travel filled weekend, but really enjoyed out time! Can't wait to come back and visit again, it was wonderful <3
Ciao Bella
We arrived in Napoli in the early afternoon and had a few hours to wander the city. Here is some history on this city. Its really old, HAHA. OK, so most of the towns are really old. Anyways, its a very large city, the third largest in Italy behind Milan and Rome. It is the pick-pocketing capitol of Italy, and therefor is pretty dangerous to be in at night, and especially alone, or being a woman. There are parts of town that even a group of full grown adult men should not be in at night. But, none the less, an important city, famous for their Pizza. It was very tasty, I must say, but not the best I have had in Italy.
After jumping back on the bus, we headed to our hotel to unload and rest before dinner. Everyone was pretty wiped from being up early and crammed on the bus for so long. Dinner was served at a local restaurant, and wasn't very good. But, it was food none the less, so I was not going to complain.
The next day, Saturday, we spent on the island of Capri. What a stunning island, very beautiful and rich in seafood and lemons. All day we slept on the beach, basking in the sun watching the crystal clear water wash up on the rocks! So amazing! The island is small, but full of many amazing things, including beautiful caves, fresh lemons, and expensive shopping and stunning beaches. I really enjoyed swimming, and the smile from ear to ear is still beaming across my face as I reflect on the time at the beach.
Pompei was also amazing, which is where the group spend Sunday morning. The ruins are incredible, and the view of Mt. Vesuvius is so neat! What a story this place has, its rich history is something worth learning.
The bus left Sunday around 2pm and we arrived back home in Florence around 8pm. We all passed out from the sun and travel filled weekend, but really enjoyed out time! Can't wait to come back and visit again, it was wonderful <3
Ciao Bella
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
They're Here!!
Americans, Americans, everywhere, Americans!!
It is true. Travel season is upon us, and I never thought I would feel like we were being invaded, here in Italy, since I AM American and only living in Italy temporarily. The lines are longer, the streets are fuller, and there is more and more english speakers filling the city to the brim. Its exciting in a way, hearing the familiar sounds of children yelling in English, and hearing people speak to one another in a language I know so well. I remember back to the first week we were here, all of us roaming the streets with maps in hand. I can't remember the last time I looked at a map of Florence, it seems like I have been here so long that I just know my way around.
On my way home from class today, I was walking in the piazza near the Duomo, and there were two American women standing outside the cafe reading a map and looking very confused. I stopped next to them and politely asked if they needed some help. "She speaks english!" They squealed, and I chuckled. Yes, I do. :)
The asked me for some directions to a famous church in the town, and I gave them a nice route by the river to walk, and also pointed out the same way of the map so they would be able to follow the names of the streets. I asked them where they were from, and how long they would be guests in Italy. They were very impressed with me living here and attending Culinary School. I always get such warm reactions when I tell people what I am doing here, it makes me smile. I told them of a few places they should visit here in Florence, and explained the wonderful tradition of Aperitivo, which everyone MUST attend atleast once while they are here. Its such a fun thing to participate in, and a wonderful way to eat and drink for an cheaper one time price!
Class was amazing today, tuna and anchovies. I am learning so much here, and really enjoying the new techniques that I can bring home to Riverview Farms Catering and to my family and friends!
Ciao Bella
It is true. Travel season is upon us, and I never thought I would feel like we were being invaded, here in Italy, since I AM American and only living in Italy temporarily. The lines are longer, the streets are fuller, and there is more and more english speakers filling the city to the brim. Its exciting in a way, hearing the familiar sounds of children yelling in English, and hearing people speak to one another in a language I know so well. I remember back to the first week we were here, all of us roaming the streets with maps in hand. I can't remember the last time I looked at a map of Florence, it seems like I have been here so long that I just know my way around.
On my way home from class today, I was walking in the piazza near the Duomo, and there were two American women standing outside the cafe reading a map and looking very confused. I stopped next to them and politely asked if they needed some help. "She speaks english!" They squealed, and I chuckled. Yes, I do. :)
The asked me for some directions to a famous church in the town, and I gave them a nice route by the river to walk, and also pointed out the same way of the map so they would be able to follow the names of the streets. I asked them where they were from, and how long they would be guests in Italy. They were very impressed with me living here and attending Culinary School. I always get such warm reactions when I tell people what I am doing here, it makes me smile. I told them of a few places they should visit here in Florence, and explained the wonderful tradition of Aperitivo, which everyone MUST attend atleast once while they are here. Its such a fun thing to participate in, and a wonderful way to eat and drink for an cheaper one time price!
Class was amazing today, tuna and anchovies. I am learning so much here, and really enjoying the new techniques that I can bring home to Riverview Farms Catering and to my family and friends!
Ciao Bella
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Una Canzone D'Amore
Io lavoro e penso a te
Torno a casa e penso a te
Le telefono e intanto penso a te
Come stai? E penso a te
Dove Abbiamo? E penso a te
Le sorrido abbasso gli occhi e penso a te
Non so con chi adesso sei
Non so con cha cosa fai
Ma so di certo a cosa stai pensando
E troppo grande la citta
Per due che come noi
Non sperano pero sis tan cercando cercando
Scusa e tarde e penso a te
Ti accompagno e penso a te
Non son stato divertente e penso a te
Sono al buio e penso a te
Chiudo gli occhi e penso a te
Io non dormo e penso a tes
Just wanted to share some Italian love with all my readers! Ciao Bella
Torno a casa e penso a te
Le telefono e intanto penso a te
Come stai? E penso a te
Dove Abbiamo? E penso a te
Le sorrido abbasso gli occhi e penso a te
Non so con chi adesso sei
Non so con cha cosa fai
Ma so di certo a cosa stai pensando
E troppo grande la citta
Per due che come noi
Non sperano pero sis tan cercando cercando
Scusa e tarde e penso a te
Ti accompagno e penso a te
Non son stato divertente e penso a te
Sono al buio e penso a te
Chiudo gli occhi e penso a te
Io non dormo e penso a tes
Just wanted to share some Italian love with all my readers! Ciao Bella
Ganzo
Saturday, April 18th, was the first day all semester I worked at Ganzo. This is a pretty big surprise, considering this is the restaurant affiliated with Apicius, and its run with several students volunteering their time in the kitchen, the bar, and the front of the house. Ganzo, which means, “cool” in Italian, is a pretty hip restaurant, with fun Italian food. The school puts many students in the restaurant to work, some having a full semester internship. On Saturdays, there is a brunch, which is served from 11-2pm, and this is the shift I was asked to work this week. It was pretty fun, a little slow business wise, but interesting to talk to some new people. I met this kid, Christian, who is from Hawaii and in his 4th semester at Apicius. We spent some time talking about how we both miss home, but absolutely love this opportunity, and really enjoy the culture in Italy. We had a good time, it was only the two of us in the kitchen, the chef was in and out, mostly in the dining room and talking with the restaurant manager, so the two of us were left to get the food out. We also talked about the differences between restaurant work and catering, what I like more about catering, and the pros and cons of opening up our own restaurants in the future. I am hoping to work a few more shifts in the next month, so I am excited to learn a little more and get that much more experience in a restaurant.
The Buffet prep included Panini’s with chicken and arugula, fruit, slices of fresh carrot cake, (which my roommate Bonnie prepared on Friday, and was delicious I may add ☺) Seafood salad, olives, sliced cheese and meats, and also eggs, potatoes, bacon and sausage to order. Everything was quite tasty, and free for me to eat, which made it that much better. The kitchen at this restaurant is a good size, larger then the Hilton kitchen, which is surprising considering Café Max at the Hilton, can seat 6 times the amount of people. It is also very well organized, with several reaching refrigerators with specific items in each. The flow is very easy; nobody is stepping over each other, plenty of space to prep several different foods without the worry of cross contamination, and yes, the possibility of “Harboring Pathogens”. (That’s for you Susie Q, with love from Cupcake). The paid staff at Ganzo is for the most part, very considerate and caring to the students, which is nice considering the students are volunteering their time.
Hopefully there will be more about this place in my future blogging, because it’s fun to get a feel for different types of restaurants and how each kitchen is unique. One Block West, you are still number one in my heart!
Ciao Bella. I send you love from the sweet streets of Florence <3
The Buffet prep included Panini’s with chicken and arugula, fruit, slices of fresh carrot cake, (which my roommate Bonnie prepared on Friday, and was delicious I may add ☺) Seafood salad, olives, sliced cheese and meats, and also eggs, potatoes, bacon and sausage to order. Everything was quite tasty, and free for me to eat, which made it that much better. The kitchen at this restaurant is a good size, larger then the Hilton kitchen, which is surprising considering Café Max at the Hilton, can seat 6 times the amount of people. It is also very well organized, with several reaching refrigerators with specific items in each. The flow is very easy; nobody is stepping over each other, plenty of space to prep several different foods without the worry of cross contamination, and yes, the possibility of “Harboring Pathogens”. (That’s for you Susie Q, with love from Cupcake). The paid staff at Ganzo is for the most part, very considerate and caring to the students, which is nice considering the students are volunteering their time.
Hopefully there will be more about this place in my future blogging, because it’s fun to get a feel for different types of restaurants and how each kitchen is unique. One Block West, you are still number one in my heart!
Ciao Bella. I send you love from the sweet streets of Florence <3
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