Mediterranean Diet and Culture
in Tuscany and Umbria, Italy
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Monday in Assisi

5/30/2016

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By Samantha Hamlin
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The streets reminded me of Germany in some ways. It was pleasant just walking around looking at the different style doors and windows.

Clouds appear different here, or my senses are still magnified from being in a new place — they have more depth, more texture. Watching the rain clouds roll in while the sun still poured warm light on the valley was priceless. I hope everyone saw that.
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The basilica of Saint Francesco was another learning experience full of art from many artists and differentiating them was easier after our tour guide, Catia, described the touches to look for.

Our final language class was a little sad. I would love to become more fluent in Italian, but am sure it’s difficult unless one uses it daily. Our last cooking class had some great participation and laughs. I’ll miss these evenings!
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May 28th, 2016

5/28/2016

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By Caitlyn Phelps
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Wherever you are, be all there.

5/26/2016

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By Adeana Steele
I was going to write about a trip that we took or a person I talked to or an experience that I had. I thought about writing about my favorite day trip so far (the vineyards in Montalcino!). But instead, I want to share what this sweet time in beautiful Italia has taught me. Above all, I've seen and experienced what it means to be present. I heard this quote once that said "wherever you are, be all there" and the Italians certainly seem to live this out. Meals are spent socializing, talking to the people around them and giving them their full attention. They take their time eating their food — it's an experience, not an inconvenience, to make and eat food. I hardly ever see them looking on their phones at the table or when they're in a group of people. When they do use them, they default to talking on the phone, as opposed to text or social media. The day we went to Perugia we stopped at a beautiful little park overlooking some gorgeous views and not one of the people in the park was on an electronic device - they were either talking, snacking on gelato from the shop across the street, or just sitting quietly and enjoying the views. They were simply present. They were enjoying the experience of living in that moment. From what I've seen, the Italian people don't fear time and they aren't afraid of losing a little productivity to enjoy the little things that make them smile.

Italians also embrace the process of making food, from shopping for ingredients to the cooking itself. Although there are supermarkets, there are also a lot of outdoor markets that resemble something like a really fresh outdoor Walmart. Many of them go to the source for food so that they can get the best quality. For instance, many people go to the flour mill we visited to buy fresh flour (which I hear is the best in town!).

They also take the time to make food from scratch and embrace the process. They get their hands dirty and rely on very little equipment. And right now, as I'm writing this, I can hear one of the cooks singing in the kitchen as she prepares lunch.

​From my perspective and from what I've witnessed, the Italian people seem to innately enjoy what they are doing, when they are doing it, and who they are doing it with. These observations have inspired me to incorporate this mindset more into my own life so that wherever I am, I am all there.
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The beauty of Tuscany and Umbria

5/22/2016

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By Danielle, Leslie and Rachel
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Buon giorno! we are all having such a wonderful time here in Italy. Today we had our first of a few wine tastings. We not only tasted wine but also learned what to look for as far as smelling different notes and how the color effects the last. We have all really been enjoying the cooking classes that we have every night. It is great that we can all work together cooking and sharing stuff about one another. One thing we can all very much agree on is how absolutely beautiful the entire Tuscan and Umbrian regions are. The views are simply amazing and just constantly take your breath away. The morning bus ride each day seems to be nothing but “oohs” and “aahs,” with everyone climbing on top of one another to get a good picture with the ride back being a good old adult naptime.
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Lasting Memories

5/20/2016

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By Samantha Hamlin
The senses we take for granted appear to be enhanced; magnified, while in new territories. Whether it’s an innate animal response for survival mechanisms or a learning mechanism, it ensures the experience will be a lasting memorable one.
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    Authors

    Eleanor Baker
    Amanda Barquero
    Madison Borland
    Karen Chaska
    Marie Donaghy
    Danielle Fanelle
    Samantha Hamlin
    Madalin Lancaster
    Natalie Lowe
    Monica Ludwin
    Rachel Mattoon
    Stephanie Paige
    Caitlyn Phelps
    Leslie Roberts
    Amber Saunders
    Erica Silveira
    Adeana Steele
    Rachel Wakefield
    Jennifer Wihlborg

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