Weekends are always the best part of the week. Here in Italy, though, we (the group of 8 other kids from my school) have been given three-day weekends and we're traveling for most of them! Alba is a pretty small town so there isn't much to do so we are excited to travel around Italy and Europe on the weekends. Also, on the weekends we aren't traveling, we will be able to relax and recharge and generally enjoy ourselves like weekends are supposed to allow. I love waking up and having nothing to do--being able to lay in bed for hours, watch a movie or snuggle. One of my favorite things.

The pasta in Italy is, as one would expect, phenomenal. It is the first thing I really noticed when I first had real Italian food IN ITALY. The pasta here is just so excellent and usually made by hand--it's definitely my favorite food here (not counting gelato!!!). Pasta is so comforting and the sauces so varied that I never tire of it! The only downside is that it is heavy in carbs and makes me feel guilty to eat so much of it. We eat it everyday at the Mensa (cafeteria where we eat lunch) and so I get quite a lot of pasta and it's making me feel so guilty!

I know, I know--most people hate airplane food. And, while it is never particularly good food, per se, it is always a fun experience. I love how compartmentalized it all is with the lids and the tiny portions and foil and small plastic silverware. It is an experiment in innovation and makes me think of Sweden and its quest to make things (mostly houses) smaller. Airplane food, for me, is a nice adventure and I always pay a lot of attention to what I get. I am usually pleased, even if I know the food is unmiraculous. Something about the adventure and the smallness of everything makes the food taste better and occasionally there is something that really tastes good! It might help that it's the only option for food on planes unless you bring some with you. AND, if you're flying internationally, it's usually FREE!

Who doesn't?! This year I turned 21 and since I'm leaving for Italy in two days, I haven't gotten to do much for my birthday but I have received presents from people. Most of it is money since they know I will need it when I'm in Europe buying everything I see but my favorite presents are ones that are wrapped. Even if I don't care for the present, I love the act of receiving the present and unwrapping it. There isn't much more I can say without wandering into selfish territory but I think most of us can agree that receiving presents is something they enjoy!

My mom makes the best meatloaf. Whenever I'm away from her and her cooking, it is the first thing I always miss. I'm going to Italy in 4 days for a whole semester and I know I will miss her meatloaf so much so that's why she made it for me tonight! It is savory and, with that ketchup on top, sweet at the same time and just has a certain taste that my tongue just drools for. Yum!

Yum! Yogurt is so good for you. It has all those bacteria in them that are good for your digestion and stomach and it also is just a healthy source of dairy and protein I think? I especially like it for lunches with berries and maybe a little granola. When I'm on my diet I eat a lot of plain yogurt with berries (sometimes a touch of honey) and use it in my smoothies. It is creamy, cool and a complete blank canvas for flavors. My mom likes to use it on pancakes and French toast as well but I have never tried it. Recently my dad has turned me on to Greek yogurt which is much thicker and creamier than regular yogurt but is also more expensive. It's delicious!