So sorry..

I know, I haven't posted anything in ages, but I promise, updates are coming, now that classes are over and I have more free time.

The Sagra

"Numero sesenta due......"

Those were the sweet words that marked one of the greatest nights I will ever have in Italy.

It all started with the trip to Fiesole, home of the ancient theater and roman baths, for the Slow Food Expo for the Tuscan region. There, all of us got to sample amazing wines from all over Tuscany, regional meats, like the truffle-infused salumi, and some artisan cheeses. Also prominently displayed (and crowded) was the truffle booth.

And it was great. The whole thing, let me tell you. But you weren't there, so a lengthy description of a Slow Food festival may bore you.

What will not, however, are the events post-Slow Food.

As we, a group of 15 culinary students, walked out of the roman amphitheater, where the event was held, to the bus-stop to go home, Matt, with the ever-keen eye, spotted a poster that read:

"Sagra de Bistecca -- Caldine"

Uh oh. A Sagra is a festival, usually honoring the patron saint of the town, and sometimes the local produce. This was the latter.

Bistecca refers to Bistecca Fiorentina, probably one of the biggest pieces of meat that can be served. Often ordered by the KILO, that's right... 2.2 pounds at a time. The closest thing I can compare it to is a four inch thick T-Bone.

But Caldine was at least 5 km from Fiesole, and there were no cabs. We ended up calling two cabs (at this point, only eight of us decided it was worth the trouble) to take us to Caldine.. down a beautiful valley and into the heart of the land of the Chianini.

When we arrive, we are greeted by the most amazing aroma of grilling beef. We ordered the food and sit, anxious for out steaks, traditionally served rare, to arrive. When they come, they are all that we hoped for. Huge, delicious, and served with fried polenta, and a primi of pasta, they were amazing.

But not as amazing as the Tuscan line dancing, which was amusing. Embarrassed to partake in the dancing, we sat and drank vin santo with biscotti. Yummy. As we are trying to find a way home (we hadn't thought of that... we just wanted to get there), a lady asked us to buy raffle tickets, only 1 Euro. No problem.

So, as we are figuring out what to do to, Nick says "I know they are going to call my number. I am going to win the first prize." That first prize was prosciutto. Not a couple of slices, but AN ENTIRE LEG OF A PIG.

So, he won. A 15 lb leg of pig. He won it. Unbelievable. Here it is!

That's (l-r) Nick and Mike, very proud owners of a prosciutto.

But the best part was the reaction of the Italians, who loved that we were so excited about winning a huge piece of pig. After we claimed the prize, they insisted that we drink LOTS of vin santo. So we did, and we laughed in amazement that for that one small moment, we were the luckiest people alive. To some, it may be gross, winning a cured pig's leg, but to us, it was the chance of a lifetime. we got to live with tuscans, if only for an evening, but it was sweet. This country is amazing, and the people make it so.

People like these:

l-r: Me, Tuscan Lady, Tuscan Butcher (with vin santo), Eric, Kelly, Guillerme, Nick, and Mike

I cannot wait for the Sagra di Porcini...

Update

Okay all. Here is the big update, since I am tired of calling all of you and telling you what's up.

I am leaving to Florence on Monday, August 28, at 10 pm from Dulles Airport. I'll get there at noon because the lines will be super long (any of you with IAD stories please chime in), and apparently I cannot carry any liquid with me so I will have to drain my blood and get rid of all the product I want to carry. The terrorists have won, if you ask me...

So I will get there on the 29th, and on the 31st, I will have my practical exam to decide whether I will be there for two or three years. I am little nervous about that, but whatever. Maybe I'll become a gypsy so that I can fund that last year... Watch out for your babies.

Here we go...

So the move has been made. I am going to Florence to go to culinary school.

http://www.culinaryinstituteofflorence.com

Everyone check it out and tell me what you think...