It's been a while

Although it has been a while, I continue planning and preparing (32 days to departure).  We had a class orientation meeting a couple of weeks ago.  Got more details on our schedule. The class I will be in  actually starts at 3:30 every day, which means I am free to do anything until class time every day.  I could get up early and catch a train to Pisa, or museum hop, as long as I am back in time for class. Of course, we will have assignments and I will likely have to use the computer lab on campus, so it's not like I will be roaming the streets of Florence everyday, just nearly every day!  We have several excursions scheduled.  One will be an all day trip to the Cinque Terre.  Rick Steves' website has become my #1 travel resource, this link is from his site - check it out!  http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/cinqueterre.htm   I am looking forward to an all day hike that day ending with a dip in the Mediterranean.   We will also visit a Parmigiano Cheese Factory, note to self, stock up on some cheese... as well as a traditional Balsamic Vinegar Consortium producer in Modena. By the way, balsamic vinegar is my fave... and I have a brand that I get which is produced in Modena.  A visit to a pasta maker is also on the itinerary.  We will learn about "slow food" - the opposite of fast food, which is the Mediterranean way to eat... I hope to be Mediterreneanized by the time I get back, I think I just made up that word.  I am looking forward to learning how to slow down in life.  Especially after the last month between class and work, been busy and stressed. Enough for now... Ciao amicos, more to follow.