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Published: January 14th 2018
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When I first decided that I was going on this trip one of the first things I thought about was all the delicious food!! Some of my favorite foods are pasta and cheese, and I planned on eating lots of it during my stay here. As I mentioned in my very first blog I am a pretty picky eater, but I was going to be open minded and try new things here in Florence. So far, I think I have somewhat kept my word, with a few slip ups here and there...I am only human after all.
First off, I have to say that I have really enjoyed every meal I have had here so far, but there has been a few challenges that come with every meal. The language barrier is an obvious challenge, I struggle understanding what certain foods are, how to order, and even knowing where to go to get good, inexpensive food. When we went to Pisa we encountered this problem. We went into a fairly nice restaraunt, but ordered the cheapest things on the menu. I ordered the spaghetti, which was very delicious and probably the most flavorful spaghetti I have ever tasted. What was
disapointing was how much it all turned out to be. My roommates and I were unaware of the fact that there was a service and table charge of $18 total. This was insane to me. My meal was under 10 euro but somehow I ended up paying more just to sit down? It did not make sense. We learned our lesson after that, and since have made sure to ask if there are additional service fees, and if there were we would order take away, which does not have any extra costs.
My favorite meal I have had so far was here in Florence, but the name of the restaurant is escaping me. I ordered tortellini with ham and I have to say I still dreaming about it days later! I will definitely have to revisit this place again before I leave. Another favorite of mine has been a shop next to my apartment that sells giant sandwiches for really great prices. It is called l' Girone de' Ghiotti and it definitely lives up to its name. I have been there twice and have ordered the discordia, which has tuscan salami, pecorino cheese cream, tomatoes, and salad. So so
delicious, and the employees have always been so nice and always greet us when we walk in. Let me not forget to mention the gelato, or heaven in a cone. I did not think I could enjoy anything more than ice cream, but then I tried gelato. My favorite has been chocolate chip and mint. I already have my next order planned which will be oreo and chocolate! I will say as I have mentioned previously, I have learned to be careful which gelatarias to go to because some are more expensive than others. Also, here in Florence I have noticed when you order a coke at a restaurant they bring it to you in a lemon, which at first seemed so weird to me. I only ever have lemons in my tea or water, but I thought it was so much better with the lemon and even went to the grocery and bought lemons and coke so I can drink it the same way in my apartment. I probably will continue to do this even after I go home. I think it is cool that I've only been in Italy about 10 days and its already starting to rub
off on me.
When it comes to the service I have to be honest and say that I start to miss home. I feel like I only see my waiter a few times. When I order, when I get my food, and then when I get my check. They do not really come back asking how everything is going, or if you need anything. I am not used to this custom. I also miss free refills so much! I never realized how fast I down my drink until I came here. I also miss having water for free. I definitely was taking it for granted and miss having that luxury.
I am ashamed to say this, but I have already been to three "American" restaurants so far. McDonald's, Hard Rock Cafe, and a place called the Diner, which is a 50's themed american style restaurant. I did not think I would miss american food as much as I have, and I really am suprised by this. I don't even eat McDonald's at home, but something about being in a foreign place made me want something so familar. Also, I found it ironic that the best cheeseburger I have
ever had was here in Florence at the Diner. The price was excellent and the portion was fairly large. I think us Americans need to step up our cheesburger game back home.
This whole experience has put me completely out of my comfort zone, and while I have had a few dislikes, and there is a bit of a learning curve, I think it is important to experience different customs and way of life. Even though a part of me will always miss home, I love eating and dining the way Italians do, and cannot wait to chow down on more pasta and gelato!
CIAO!
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