Day Trip to Umbria

Hey there mavericks!

It's been awhile since I've posted about my endeavors, so I figured today would be a good day to update.

Today began early, around 5:45 for our class trip to Umbria, which was about 2 hours away.  Umbria is up north so it was a little colder, but it gave us the chance to get out of the city and see the country side.  The landscape was picturesque, rolling hills and endless valleys.

We started our trip at an olive oil production center.  We got a lecture as to how olive oil is made, and what the difference is between the various types (e.g. extra virgin olive oil vs. virgin, which, until today I didn't know much about nor know that there was a significant difference between the types).

We also learned the 'proper' way to taste olive oil, according to the experts.  You take the cup of olive oil and cup your hand around it, so that your body heat warms it slightly.  Then, you smell the olive oil twice, take a small sip and swish, then take two big breaths through your mouth in order to get the flavor on all parts of the palette, then finally swallow and breathe through your nose.  Needless to say, it was a completely ridiculous way to taste olive oil and we all looked really crazy doing it, but hey, "When in Rome," right? (or in this case, "When in Umbria").

After that we had a hopped back on the bus for a wine tasting.  We got to taste 3 different wines, of which my favorite was the red, called Cantina Novelli Montefalco (it was so good that I caved and bought a bottle).  We then went to a few ceramics factories where we got to see various plates and vases being produced.  They said that they have major purchasers back in the States, like Williams Sonoma etc...

This evening, my parents arrived!!  They got in this morning and spent the day on their own, then we met for dinner at a place called New Station across from my apartment (although, my nickname for the place is "Luca's" as that is the name of the owner who I've come to know since I've been there, tonight was my 3rd time at the restaurant!).

Tomorrow, I'm touring around with my parents (places I've been already, but it'll be fun having them along!).  I'll update more this week!

JC