Pics of Perugia

The top picture was taken on an excursion to a small, local Italian farm in Passegniano, Italy; about a 30 minute train ride from Perugia. Olives, grapes and legumes are grown here. In the background is a large, gorgeous lake and the surrounding hillside was breathtaking! Italian farms are central to the culture and I was thankful for the opportunity to meet the farmer and his family. The farm has been in their family for hundreds of years, with the same crops being harvested and the same wines and oils being produced. While visiting the farm, we were taught the timeless art of making homemade pasta! When picturing the cliche Italian kitchen and preparations for an Italian feast, we often think of all the women of the household working all day to produce a simplistic, yet perfect taste in all the dishes, yelling and laughing at each other in quick, beautiful Italian. This was exactly how it was! All the women, including great-grandma, worked to serve all of us one of the best 4 course meals I've ever had! So much of the Italian culture revolves around mealtime and the gathering together of loved ones. Therefore, preparing for the gathering is a crucial part of life. From the homemade wine, to the homegrown spices and oils, the Italians' love and appreciation for life is seen in the dedication to mealtime perfection! The little glimpse of true Italy I saw on Sunday was wonderful and I hope to have many more experiences like that during my stay!