Il sole!!!

Buon giorno a tutti!

Last night the students feasted on favorite Italian summertime dishes for our catered dinner. For the meat eaters, braesola with arugola is a savory, sliced meat paired with a bitter green that is both flavorful and light. In addition we had three types of cold pasta dishes, one with mozzarella and purple radish, and another with tuna, tomatoes, and corn, and a third made of spelt and mixed vegetables. We also had a garden salad and the group's favorite type of bread, la schiacciata (a foccacia-like soft bread seasoned with olive oil and salt).

For dessert we had a juicy watermelon, and we sampled the desserts made in the afternoon workshop, Tiramisu and a Caprese Cake. Many of the students asked if the Caprese Cake was made with mozzarella, as it shares its name with the Caprese Salad, but Giovanna set us to rights. She explained that the cake was first made on the island of Capri. The legend goes that the great mafioso Al Capone came to Capri and entered a bakery and demanded that the baker make him a fine chocolate cake. The baker became so agitated that Al Capone and his goons were in his place of business that he forgot to put eggs and flour in the cake. A fine legend, a better cake. Well done, cooking students!

After our feast, the staff reminded students that in order to take care of themselves, they need to get their rest, and they could always choose to forgo the evening activity for extra sleep. Five students took us up on the offer, and the rest of the group set out together for the Fortezza da Basso, where we mingled with locals, sampled locally made candies and pastries, did some dancing, and hung out. Oh, and I forgot to mention that Motorhead also happened to be having a concert in the fortress that night. So, although we did not enter the concert venue, as it was in the open air, and flimsily covered by a few large screens, we could hear quite clearly the last few songs of their set. Let me just say, I would have never claimed to be a Motorhead fan, but hearing them live was awesome. They were pure energy and adrenaline.

Today we have morning and afternoon classes. In just a moment I'll be taking a group to climb the Duomo (that is, if it's not too hot) and Giovanna and William will take a group to do a tasting of local products at a vendor nearby the residence. This evening we're splitting into two groups, those who will be attending a Mogwai concert with William, Antonio and Stefano and those that will be dancing under the stars at the Fortezza with me, Giovanna and Lindsay.

Tomorrow, the group is heading to Viarreggio for a relaxing beach day (we've got the boogie boards ready to go!) and then we'll have a group dinner in Pisa, after taking in the Leaning Tower and the Cathedral.

Che roba!

All the best,
Janet