January 22

Hello from Mercato Centrale! This food market is in the center of the city and  literally--yes, literally--20 feet away from our apartment building. Look at dem veggies! This morning, a professor from the cooking department gave us a tour of the market and then we made an incredible lunch. I could listen to him talk all day! He taught us so much about how to navigate the market, choose the freshest and cheapest goods, and where to go for student discounts. We got everything we need for our lunch at the market--SO fresh. We made focaccia sandwiches (homemade bread), pesto with homemade pasta, chicken and eggplant, and chocolate tortes with fruit salad. OMG. More Italian class this afternoon. Made black bean and sweet potato stew for my dinner. What a day of good eatin'.