the view from the top of the island
When we got off the ferry, we took a bus straight to the top of the island. That was an "adventurous" ride. The roads were pretty steep and windy, and the bus was standing room only, so it was a little treacherous but the views were incredible. We got to the top and explored the city. That is the part of the island where people live, but even in the winter there are less than 500 people who live there. Can you imagine? Talk about small town. If I were to try to picture Italy before I came, this town was exactly what I had in mind.
Typical house in the city center
Love the streets!
The streets were narrow and cobblestone, and there were women in their house dresses hanging their laundry and watering their flowers, and people walking to and from the market with their fresh produce. We explored these streets and shops for a little while, saw the "castello" or castle, and even stumbled upon the village discoteca, and then headed back down the island.
Discoteca
We got on the wrong bus so we had to go all the way to the bottom, switch buses, go all the way back up and then all the way back down to the other side again. It was a little long, but we got seats that time, so it was fun to take in all of the views. We had lunch at the port, and had a boat tour of the island. Let's just say, that may have been one of the best events of the trip. There were some pretty big waves, and we were in a smaller boat, so it was like a roller coaster ride. The water was so clear you could see all the way to the bottom, and the view of the entire island from the boat was wonderful.
You can see the bottom! That's like 20 feet deep!
We pulled up to a small bay, where there were some other boats and scuba divers, and got in for a swim. It was a bit chilly (and by a bit I mean a whole lot), but it was so beautiful it didn't matter! We swam for a while, and I was still in awe of how clear and blue the water was, and then rode around in the boat for a while and went to the beach.
Catie and I on the boat tour! Just a little windy :)
Taking a swim in the most beautiful, acqua colored water. Yep, it was salty!
We only laid on the beach for 20-30 minutes or so, but no complaints, cause I had definitely gotten more than enough sun in the last 2 days!
Sunday morning, I went with my host family to Rome to their farmer's market. We got to the market, "Roma Farmer's Market" and set up. It was like any farmer's market you would imagine, with about 20 different stands or vendors. My host family sells milk, eggs, yogurt, different meats, and a few different cheeses. Manuela sells from this market, and then we headed to their other one to set up too. The other one is by the Circo Massimo, and that is where Oleania and Patrizio work. Oleania worked there, and I went with Felice on a tour of the city. We went around the Circo Massimo, to the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum, and through Palazzo Venenzia and up the Vittoriano monument. He talked most of the time explaining what things were and some history of the city (by the end of the walk my brain was exhausted from trying to translate!) We went back to the Circo Massimo market and had lunch with Oleania and some other vendors. Everyone we meet is so welcoming and friendly! We had lunch, and Felice had me try "tripe." Irene had told us about this typical dish before, but I didn't know exactly what it was. I figured since the five guys at the table were all laughing as they watched me taste it, that it was something unusual, but I tried it anyways. It was an unpleasant texture, but it tasted okay. Ready to know what it is?? Part of the stomach of a cow. YUCK! They were all pleased that I tasted it even though I didn't like it, but they all love it! So far that is the only thing I have eaten here that I would not want to eat another time. After lunch, I went with Felice around the market to meet the other vendors (and not surprisingly, being Italian, they all made sure I ate something!) I tasted marmalades, and cheeses, and biscotti, and wine. You name it, I tasted it, and everything was so fresh and delicious. You might be able to guess what my favorite was though. Think you know? GREEN OLIVES! The best olives on this planet. The vendor was so nice, and he gave us sunflower seeds, and these other bean like things, but when I tried an olive and told him they are my favorite, he gave me a whole bag and made my day! We had gelato (made fresh with goat's milk) and headed back to Tuscania. Tomorrow starts the last few days of class and it is dessert week for cooking. My favorite! We are learning how to make our own gelato (without a machine so we can do it at home...yesss). Can't wait!
No comments:
Post a Comment