The Omnivore

It’s crazy to think that tomorrow is the final day of my internship…it feels like my 3 months went by so quickly, yet to think of who I was before this experience, I feel so much older. I have learned so much, gained amazing memories and friends, and am just eternally thankful to have been blessed with the opportunity.

Italia! 150 years, unified, yet it's so much older than just that...

There’s a phenomenon that I’ve come to realize – the places you live in are the last you explore. And what I mean is that when you live somewhere, you say that you always have another day to do such and such. I wanted to see the crystal museum of Colle since I’ve arrived, but always felt I had so much time to go see it. And now I don’t have enough! There’s that saying, “Why put off to tomorrow what you can do today?” Ooops. Definitely true.

A view of Colle Alta, or the old city, where I live

Officina della Cucina Popolare - where I work! :)

I’ve lived in this one room for 3 months and felt that I had so little stuff, yet somehow it has spread to every surface and corner and drawer in the room. Packing is a bit daunting…Especially since I’m bringing one bag to “backpack” with (it’s actually a suitcase since I don’t have a backpack). Hiking around Sicily (hot!) for 10 days requires some good wardrobe planning.

Manarola, a city in Cinque Terre, from my visit

Another thing I’ve realized is how amazing Target is. My $20 boots have not only been fashionable, but also hardy – I’ve used them every day for three months, walking tons, and they’re still in great shape! In fact, everyone here asks where I bought them. “Oh this fancy store in the US, ‘Tar-jay.’ They don’t have it here.”  ;)

The perfect boots for being a cheesy tourist or famous statue :)

So what’s actually up next in my schedule? About 10 days in Sicily, then up to visit a friend in Switzerland, stopping by Munich to see another friend, then 2 weeks with my wonderful Czech family in Prague, and then back to Siena for the Palio in July! It’s a busy, exciting trip and I’m pumped to create some amazing memories with my friend from Sweden for a month.

Fresh cherries from the cherry trees all over! Yum! :)

For now? I’m simply exhausted and am excited to relax a bit. Walk tons and sight-see, but also just relax. The restaurant has been a blast and I truly love working there, but the 170+ hours in the last month have taken a toll on me (wow, I feel so old every morning). Definitely a stressful job. Though I must admit, I’ve never eaten better in my life.  :P

One of my favorite dishes at the restaurant - Pecorino souffle with sliced pears, honey, and flower pollen

Another delicious dish - freshly made ricotta and spinach tortelli in a butter-sage sauce

xoxo

P.S. Two weeks after getting my camera up and running? It’s knocked off a table while taking photos of cooking and the screen stops working. Result? The remainder of my trip, I will be taking “blind” photos, not being able to see what it’s of or how it turns out. But I’m so so so so so thankful that it even continues to work! Guess shock proof cameras really are worth it…  :)

A sunset in Siena as a thunderstorm rolls in