"Study Trips" and learning to adjust my diet ...

     As you may already know, I am attending grad school in Italy for Food Communications. As part of the program, we take four domestic trips as well as two That are out of the country. The international ones will take place in the UK and Spain. I feel so much better now knowing I did not try to sleep in a hostel for a week in Spain while in undergrad. Now I get to sleep for a week in a barn on an organic farm! Almost kidding.
     You may be thinking, "Kelsey, this doesn't sound like school, this a year long vacay." To this, dear reader, I say check yourself. While living in Italy has been a beautiful experience thus far, there have certainly been some issues. Not every day can be sunshine, tan men, and ice cream, amirite? 
      This first study trip was not exempt from this truth.We got to sample myriad of different foods from many fabulous producers throughout the region of Friuli and Trieste. Between cheese, coffee, and cured meat, I came to realize I wasn't really eating enough. Sometimes I just feel like Europe rounds up all of its vegetarians and drops them some lettuce down into a pen. For God's sake, can you at least toss me some guac? Is it too much to ask? That being said, I am still learning how to adjust to different food situations. By the next study trip (to Calabria), I will be a seasoned veteran with granola bars, nutz, and of course some cheese that's not so funky. 

Some Salami in the Cosby sweater

Just some piggies hangin out at the ham producer

One of the producer 

High-brow onion rings

Pre-cheese

Pre pre-cheese

Grappa tastings ... never again

Just some villa

Fave red # 1

Fave red # 2

     The most interesting food notes about the trip would have to be the combination of Italian and Slovenian food. An odd combo, for sure, but pretty tasty. Getting free grappa and coffee to take home as gifts was not half bad, either.