Ciao Ragazzi!
So I'm sitting in one of the computer lounges at the Umbra Institute in Perugia, Umbria in Italy. I'm finished with classes for the day and I am looking forward to an evening of relaxing. Having to wake up at 8 only to walk up 180 stairs and two hills to go to school for 6 hours is a little tough! But the first two days have been pretty good. It's basically been review so far- prepositions, irregular verbs, basic questions. Tomorrow we'll talk about the family and tomorrow night we'll meet Italian students and talk with them.
Last night my friend Rachel made pasta for almost everyone in our little group. Someone bought a guitar over here so we got to have some good original music with our dinner. It was just an ordinary pasta dish with tomato sauce, basil, garlic and mozzarella, but the difference was that all of the ingredients were totally fresh. Everything here just has so much more flavor than things in the United States because they come from local places and are fresh off the vine, they're not shipped all over the country. However wonderful the Italian food is here, it's still ALL Italian food. I've already had a lot of panini, pizze and gelati. Hopefully I won't be completely sick of them by the time we leave. There are some foreign places to eat here, but I haven't heard very many good things about them. I can't believe that Italians eat the same stuff everyday! I would die without barbeque and tex-mex.
Everyone that lives in Perugia has lived here forever. Both of our teachers, our taxi driver, our tour guides, etc etc were born and have lived here their whole lives, except for maybe studying for a year in the US. Their families are all here, too. That's how Italians are- they are VERY attached to the land and the family. Men sometimes live with their moms until they're 40. It's all very weird.
I'm going to go enjoy my afternoon now. Eat some baci, some mozzarella maybe, some pasta. Arrivaderci! -Ellie
5 commenti:
Wow, ellie! Italy, fresh food, original music...embrace and enjoy every moment! Experiences like these end all too soon. Have a great time and send lots of updates!
mmmmmmmm....fresh pasta......sounds great! Any dancing? I think the walk to school is to offset the pasta :-)
Can't wait to see the pictures!
Ellie, I think it's about time for me to teach you to make hooker's pasta.
Ellie, what fun you must be having!! Perugia is one of our favorites. I am going to look up a restuarant that we like there. I am sure I have in our album. We've eaten there on two different occasions. Take it all in!
Ellie,
First I am so impressed that you, sweet Ellie, are trying not to make us all too jealous of your adventures in sumptuous Italy--the fresh mozzarella, basil, etc. freshly made--but you remind us all of our Texas offerings--bar-b-que and TexMex. I'm glad you miss it a little so we can enjoy your company at Luna as soon as possible!
I had a funny recollection of John Andrew being interviewed by Cameron's mother's first year Spanish students who asked John Andrew, "So how big is your bed?" I know you did better interviewing the Italian students--so what did you learn?
If you are back to Florence, be sure and notice Ghiberti's doors that I believe are exhibited in the Museo dell Opera del Duomo. Those doors were copied--exact replicas--and are the front doors to Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. When Gary and I were in Florence the doors were still on the church--a while ago to be sure--back in traveling on $10 a day.
I can't tell you of one restaurant I ate at to give you any leads. We most often went to the nearest market and bought hot bread, fresh cheese, fruit and local wine and had a feast--can't beat that--and then you get to pick your view for your own picnic. I'm sure you've already enjoyed that pleasure.
As for the other places you plan to visit, one that I know you will enjoy is Milan--as you were saying Italians dress to the "9s" and in Milan it's to the "9s" times "9". The shops are so sleek--every designer you have ever heard of--and a little intimidating. But for affordable bargains go to the original Galleria--small glass-covered mall next to the Teatro alla Scala. The builder of the Galleria fell to his death in its construction. Anyway you can snag a beautiful silk tie for your dad at truly affordable prices--I believe around $20 but the dollar may be doing less well now. Also it's worth a trip to find the little out of the way church in Milan that houses the fresco of the Last Supper--beautiful and spell-binding.
And yes, Ellie, I know too well about Nutella and it being good on everything. Keep up the stair-climbing!
In regards to the street celebration that lacked the verve you had expected, I laughingly recall going to a big Argentine celebration--supposed to be equivalent to our July 4th--complete with a military band----playing "New York, New York"! Sometimes you can't get away from all the American influences--not that you'd always want to--like seeing Pirates of the Caribbean.
John Andrew is returning from almost a month on Mike's boat--will be home early tomorrow--I'm sure with many more good stories.
Stephen and Margaret are in Malaysia--after Bangkok, Puckett--then a few more stops to Bali and Singapore and then home.
You Nash kids sure do have fun and exciting times. I'll enjoy hearing more about your adventures in beautiful Italy!
Lots of love,
Peggy
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