May 16, 2023: The Arrival

 The plane ride that seemed to never end finally did. A sweet older woman gifted Nicole and I with beautiful silk flowers that she made during the flight and wished us an amazing time in Italy.

We eagerly exited the plane and began to make our way through the Rome Fiumicino Airport. We breezed through customs, grabbed our bags, and met up with our faculty members and classmates. 

Coming from enduring an all-nighter, I was in need of some caffeine. I saw a nearby café and ordered my first Italian cappuccino. I noticed how the people beside me took leisure in enjoying their beverage, standing at the bar rather than grabbing the drink to go. I noticed instantly, even from that short interaction, how Italians prioritize relishing in their food and drinks. 

The bus ride from Rome to Umbria took approximately two hours, however, a brief stop occurred on the way to get lunch. I stopped by the bathroom where I paid the attendant 50 Euro cents to use the facilities. This was very different from America where people can pop into establishments for free to use their restrooms. 

I then went inside where I took a number and waited to be called on (similar to what one would experience while ordering in a deli). My cappuccino was fading and again desperately needed caffeine. I ended up grabbing a Red Bull, a slice of eggplant and prosciutto pizza, and a slice of margherita pizza. 

Side note, I have learned that 'margherita pizza' acquired its' name from Queen Margherita of Savoy and it was originated in Naples. The fresh basil, ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella cheese also resembles the Italian flag. The pizza crust was perfectly crisp. I also noticed that the man who made the pizza drizzled the top with olive oil in order to help the cheese to cook faster and more efficiently. The cheese appeared to have a better consistency, softer. 

We then made our way to Villa Pieve. The ancient house was absolutely beautiful with a gorgeous park nearby. My room was a triple room with its' own bathroom. The view next to my bed was breathtaking as well, with sights of the nearby village. 

We had a short health and safety orientation with our guide, Matteo. Matteo had such a sunny disposition and wonderful passion for his culture. He really made all of the students feel at home and excited for all the future planned activities. 

Rosa, the owner of the villa, gave us a grand tour which included the on-site chapel. She told us that we could come and pray there any time we wished. She instantly tried to accommodate to all of the guests in our party and was the perfect host. 

We then had a wonderful meal for dinner. The meal was multiple courses. The first course contained a Tortiglioni Doppia Rigatura pasta with a creme sauce and pieces of sausage paired with tableside bread. The second course was what looked like a pan-seared chicken and sauteed spinach. The pasta was splendidly creamy and flavorful. The sauteed spinach was unique to me due to the fact that it didn't have any sort of film after taste. It tasted fresh and perfectly moist. 

I then ended my night looking forward to my first "real day" in Umbria to come.