Power of Power Walking (on Roman Cobblestone)

With a pair of solid leather boots and a will to see everything Rome has to offer, walking not only becomes a form of transportation, but a good stamina-builder and workout.

The Fulbright Mid-Year Meeting was held this year at the American Academy in Rome, on top of a hill near Monteverde.

Again, the commission hosted us at the Villa Maria in Largo Berchet, an adorable little hotel in between Trastevere and Monteverde.

MamaKo and I had a fabulous 3 days in Roma, eating delicious meals and burning off calories visiting all things Roman via public transportation or on foot.

Back to the hotel’s location, it is high up a hill.  A Steep hill. With steep staircase sets. My stamina is pretty high, but I felt the sweat forming by the time I got to the top.

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SO. MANY. STEPS.

I felt my pants getting more loose with every step I took.  Which is great because I got to enjoy pizza, pasta, panini, and wine for 3 days!

Okay, perhaps, my pants weren’t getting loose, but MamaKo and I trekked all of Rome.

Cobblestone. Brick. Uneven pathways. Lack of sidewalks. Fabulous.

My week two of MT was pushed back due to the Fulbright meeting, not enough space in the suitcase to pack my sneakers, and my wrist being out of commission.  Power walking in Rome was the solution.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/life-style/dieting/2009/03/16/power-walk-this-way-shed-the-pounds-by-pounding-the-streets-115875-21202452/

Up and down steep hills, dodging bad drivers, and trying to catch trams!

 

PS Happy Valentine’s Day to All!!!

 

xOxo Michelle

 

Mangi Mangi Mangi <3

Check out some yummy pictures of my last few meals (with mama ko):

Crostini with Smoked Salmon, Capers, Ricotta, Diced Onions

Arugula Salad with onions, pickled peppers, spices, and a few shaving of pecorino (and of course evoo + balsam)

Mama made Korean food!!!!! in Italy! from left to right-miyuk gook (seaweed soup), spicy salad (in place of kimchi), delicate egg souffle with cracked black peppercorn, and of course, RICE

It felt FABULOUS eating soup and rice =) healthy, hearty, and reminds me of home (though we eat Korean food once a week-maybe, haha)

My mom is an AMAZING cookie.  This was the best pasta ever.  The pasta itself is called pizzoccheri (hard grain wheat+durum wheat+semolina) The protein and fiber (YES) content make this pasta a SISISI pasta

She cooked it with broccoli rabe (blanched then sauteed) in bacon infused olive oil, then added some delicious garlic and onions into the mix. MAGIC!! Yummy yummy yummy.  I am so excited to eat her delicious HEALTHY cooking

We are checking out the gym/spa tomorrow to see how much the rates are…if they’re reasonable, then we’re treating ourselves to a one-month membership. Feeling a bit soft…haha

Research and practicing are taking up a lot of time…I assume that’s a good thing…I really want to focus hard and produce some awesome results.

 

xOxo Michelle

 

 

 

3 weeks of nonstop pastries and pasta

Hibernation Preparation

Since December 13th, I have been consuming nothing but brioches, croissants filled with nutella or crema, panettone, pasta (all sorts of pasta) and carbie goodness that I have been missing out on while living in Italia (solo)

Not once had I ever stepped into a pasticceria by myself, or a fast food joint for that matter.

Wow, Italia has some GOOD pastries.

I am neither encouraging nor discouraging anyone to simply (NOT CARE) about what goes in their mouth and tummy.  I am a foodie but I am also very conscious about the quality of the food I put in.

For the first time, perhaps since high school, I ate what I want, when I wanted.

My month of traveling in a nutshell:

Florence-BEAUTIFUL! If you love art and architecture, you MUST visit.  Food wasn’t too memorable here…Biggie and I made several trips to McDonald’s to get LARGE (american SMALL) cups of coffee.

Naples-Home of PIZZA…it is REALLY good. I wish I took a picture of my pizza with bufala (fresh mozz cheese), anchovies, tomatoes, and basil.

Rome-Juice cups of wine, fresh bread, cheese, dark chocolate=perfect indoor picnic (Day after getting pickpocketed-Fabulous) 3 mornings of small cups of coffee and LARGE costco sized FRESH pastries (cream for me, chocolate for biggie)

Paris-Got canceled due to snow =(

Milan-Christmas Eve dinner with Leslie (cheesy creamy risotto, roasted green beans, sauteed chicken, fruit tarts, cream puffs, panettone, lots of wine)

Venice-Christmas Day, P and I found a fabulous ristorante within the touristy San Marco area…great wine! pizza wasn’t too memorable.  The second night, we went to another ristorante and ordered shrimp (baby cocktail) with lemon, pasta bolognese for P, penne con salmone for me (a little salty)

Sicily-Staying at a 5 star place called Relais Santa Anastasia, we assumed there would be plenty of food options (since we usually have to have a post dinner dinner) Little did we know that the hotel/estate was on top of a mountain. BEAUTIFUL view, fabulous food brought to us on beautiful silver platters…just not ENOUGH food.  We arrived pretty late (around 11 pm)to check in, and they brought us a plate of meats, cheeses, bread (of course), and some pate.

Funny side note: We had to order our breakfasts by checking off what we wanted the night before.  A list containing the usual: caffe, american coffee, milk, tea, cornetto (filled or empty), eggs, eggs with bacon, yogurt, fruit, fruit salad, plate of meats, plate of cheeses, muesli, etc…

We check off 3/4 of the paper.  It took the maitre-d’s 3 trips to bring us our breakfasts.  =) They weren’t ready for our American appetites.  P and I pretty much had big breakfasts in the morning that carried us until dinnertime.

Lovely manager explained that they weren’t used to having people order more than coffee and a pastry..*angel face*

Breakfast is Good.

Rome-We found the BEST BEST BEST restaurant in all of Rome, specifically in Trastavere.  It is called IVO.  You MUST visit this place.  It is run by the cutest little old couple, and there are people waiting for tables EVERYWHERE.  Using my fake-awesome Italian, my Fitalian, I greeted the signore like I would to my grandfather.

Guess what.  P and I didn’t have to WAIT! He told us to follow him and he took us to a table where there were already at least 10 people waiting.  We didn’t get many happy glares, but oh well, we got seated!

I wanted to order the fried zucchini flowers, a Rome specialty, but they were sold out. We ordered the fried rice balls (about 1.50 each)-DELICIOUS. We ordered 2 rounds of bruschetta (one tomato, and one porcini mushroom)…portions were FABULOUSLY LARGE, and prices were VERY reasonable (about 3 euros)

We ordered 2 different pastas-calcio e pepe (literally Rome’s mac and cheese, spicy version), and P’s was almost identical but with pancetta and more veggies (yummier) These only ran about 7.20 each

P also ordered a steak (slightly pricier at around 16, but prepared SOOOOO well) For about 50 euros we had an AMAZING meal (perfect crazy Italian ambiance and great food) AND a wonderful bottle of red..perfect way to end our trip

We came back to Piacenza on New Year’s Eve with just enough time to run to the grocery store to cook our NYE dinner

Menu: Seafood Risotto with zucchini and mushrooms (with mussel broth), Good local red wine, steamed mussels in a white wine/butter sauce, fresh bruschetta with mozzarella and basil, braised veal with a tomato/ricotta reduction (prepared by P), and roasted potatoes with rosemary and olive oil.  For dessert (by the recommendation of Biggie) we got a profiterole/panettone…DELICIOUS

Not to sound conceited or anything, but P and I cooked an AWESOME meal (that tasted more flavorful than ALL of the restaurants we went to,  in my opinion)

We killed the profiterole in less than 24 hours.

Not going to lie…I was scared to step on the scale…first time since early December (when I was running and doing yoga regularly) hahaha damage wasn’t too bad…a few kilos…eek hehe

I had a fabulous carbie month…time to get back to my normal regimen! Local produce, healthy food options, cooking…YAY! I’m excited! Traveling, food, and friends…twas fun! Time to get back to research, practicing, and studying! WOOOOOOOOO

 

xOxo Michelle

Let the Good (& Yummy) Times Roll!

Sorry for the lack of updates.  I’ve been busy with the Rome concert (twas fabulous), and in less than eight hours, my Biggie arrives!

We will be traveling to Firenze, Napoli, Roma, Paris, and northern Italy…all in the span of ten days!

One carry-on bag+limited shoe space (I decided on my leather boots and Hot Pink Hunter’s)+re-wearing clothes (ick) + hostels + amazing food + frigid cold (Paris) and ridiculously warm (Napoli) weather= what should be an interesting EuroTrip

Hopefully we get back here alive on the 22nd =[

Countdown to 2011!

 

xOxo Michelle

back in business

Ciao Bloggy World,

It’s been a while.  I was living in cave woman conditions for the past ten days.  Slow-than-dial-up internet, funky phone connections, and no blog to update…what did I do?

 

well, I ran =) when it wasn’t raining (not too often)

hung out with neighbor =)

took a couple train rides to Milano – this is Piazza Scala

it’s still so cool everytime I see it!

 

1)      Practice

The concert is coming up very soon and I’m so excited! University of Roma Tre, here I come! Rome is so beautiful…I can’t wait until I can actually go down to VISIT and see things (tourist style).

2)      Cook

I have been a kitchen goddess, cooking lots and lots of nutritious FLAVORFUL meals! Of course, this means I’ve been eating a lot as well…I’ve been taking a lot of food pictures…roasted veggies, antipasti, sautéed cabbage with gruyere and coppa, eggplant, olives, strawberries…troppo delle frutte e verdure!

insalate, grilled chicken, olives, formaggio, carrots, anchovies (Napoli style)

shredded sauteed cabbage w/ market ham & gruiere

finally found a little bakery-pannetteria selling Whole grain bread

last night’s cena! tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, basil, spices, evoo, balsamic from MODENA (this is important)

 

 

PS I bought a scale…damage control if necessary.

 

3)      Clean

This burns a few extra calories =)

My apartment has ceramic floors…meaning DUST! Everywhere…even after dusting/sweeping/mopping, I find little dust bunnies. I never knew what dust bunnies were until I moved here.  They’re annoying.

It rains a lot here, and I am the type of person that needs to release a lot of energy (usually through the form of intense cardio). Running in the rain just doesn’t seem kosher for me.  Although I did run to a gym on the other side of the city (doesn’t say much) and did some cost comparisons.  When my mommy comes to stay for 2 months, I will sign us up for memberships at the nearest gym.  It happens to be the most expensive one in town, but it’s very close to my apartment, and it’s luxurious.  Imagine sliding doors, minimalistic couture, spa treatments, and latest exercise equipment.  There won’t be much to do between January-March (weather wise) so we are treating ourselves to ridiculously priced gym/spa memberships!

A little sweat/pampering never hurt anyone! I would get one now, but it really wouldn’t be worth paying *** euros a month when I have a concert coming up, friends visiting, and the holidays.

My Christmas table decor =D

4)      Learn

Something dawned on me.  Everyone has a story.  Everyone wants to talk.  Maybe Italians more so than people from other countries…comunque (however) I am enjoying this piece of culture.  Wherever I go now, I talk to people.  The first few weeks, I would try to get in/out of a store as fast as possible with minimal verbal communication.  I am realizing that half the fun of living here is enjoying the small things like talking to your line buddy at the supermarket, or talking about the new (slightly questionable) winter fashion trends for 2010/2011 with the shoe boutique owner.

Also, my Italian has improved rapidly!

5)      Explore more of this city

I found at least four organic stores really close-all about 5-10 blocks away! Lots of cool stuff…I need to be careful and not spend frivolously.  I am not a die-hard “MUST BE ORGANIC” kind of person, mostly because back in the States, if it says “Organic” then it’s usually double the price.  My non-existent salary can’t afford a 100% organic lifestyle.  In Italy however, it’s definitely not as expensive to get products that are biologico.  Also, the typical Italian diet consists of 80% local produce (mostly from farms around the region-meaning the food is close to the actual source- free of pesticides, preservatives)

I am really enjoying this natural foods (diet/lifestyle).  It makes me feel great, physically and mentally! I am thinking of adopting this lifestyle…it’s definitely not difficult, and doesn’t require the body to work harder than it has to.

 

On that note, may I say how proud I am of living in a country where these stores are on every block (see below) and I look, but I don’t touch.

 

oh mio…

 

xOxo Michelle

 

 

 

Found an Internet Cafe! =)

I was without fast internet for a week and a half.  That was not easy.  Long update to follow!

Lots of stuff happening! =D

 

PS My “h” key is officially broken.  Are there any solutions…I don’t know how long I can copy/paste “h” into my sentences.  I took my laptop to the Apple Store and they said it was a hardware issue.  =(

Is this the beginning of a long slow laptop death?

 

xOxo Michelle

Fulbright Orientation in Roma

Be Radiant yet Humble!

The past 48 hours in Roma=Inspirational.

A large gathering of 20+ Fulbrighters from all different walks of life ranging from engineers, art history specialists, musicians, and scientists.

The majority of the crop was Ph.D. candidates who were awarded Fulbrights to fund their research/dissertations, I felt quite YOUNG. There were a few of us that just recently graduated from undergrad.

Two days (filled the max) with seminars on topics like:

Cultural Identity of Italy

Educational Differences

Funding Issues

How Italians view Americans (and vice versa)

Our contribution as Fulbrighters (cultural ambassadors)

Performed a Chopin Nocturne (Op 9 No.2) for the Ambassador, PAO, Fulbright Staff, Fulbrighters-current/alumni, and other wonderful people at the home of Ben Ziff. It was short and sweet, and was an honor to perform for everybody.

Time for PICTURES from Orientation!!! =) and a few more from last week: Sara’s zia’s birthday, borlotti beans, laundry struggles, downtown Piacenza, chestnut stands, lunching with friends

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xOxo Michelle

Attenzione!!!

Attenzione: Questa citta (This city) closes ogni Giovedi (every Thursday)

 

Si.  Chiusa (Closed).  Not a negozio (store).  The CITY.  La citta, Piacenza, is CLOSED on Thursdays.

 

Normale?

Si.

 

“But don’t Italians have a siesta between 2-4 pm also?”

Si.

 

Thursdays, expect the city to feel like an old “vecchio” deserted wild wild western film scene where the cowboy takes a step into the empty street towards the Saloon.  Cue the solo brass instrument sounds.

 

The large supermarkets are open, as is the Stazione. That’s about all.  This is completely normal in non-metropolitan cities.  A nearby citta, Codogno, is closed every Tuesday I believe.

 

This is pazzo (crazy) to me.  How do stores stay afloat?

 

This pomeriggio (afternoon), I had the most amazing cioccolato caldo (hot chocolate) EVER.

It was THICK, OOZY, RICH, BITTERSWEET, YUMMMMMMMMMMMM

 

It is VERY different than the American version of Hot Cocoa.

Uno, it’s much smaller.  It is served in a small tazzo (cup) simile (like) the ones that cappuccinos are served in. It’s also served with a tiny spoon

Due, it is aesthetically pleasing.  The PERFECT brown, so inviting, and makes you feel warm and tingly inside.  Just looking at this qualcosa (something something) gives you the sense that life is wonderful, and everything will be okay.

Tre, people watching in downtown Piacenza + amazing drink = perfection

 

I wish I took a picture of it.  I am not a big fan of things uber-chocolatey (I must not be American), but words cannot do this “ciocolatto caldo” justice.  You need to try it.

 

I love people watching.  Especially behind my awesome Dior glasses (Thank you Sang).  I am too chicken to carry around designer purses here.  I read too many “Americans Abroad” brochures.  If I learned one thing from all the terrifying literature, it was to not be overly friendly.  This is difficult for me, because I love to smile.  I love smiling when I’m happy, and I also smile even more when I’m nervous or worried.  My close friends and family were very worried about this.  I am trying hard to keep a straight face, almost stand-off ish.

It’s much easier to do behind sunglasses.

 

In general, Italians dress VERY nicely.  Ranging from the mothers walking alongside their children to school, the elderly on bikes (seriously, on bikes), or the day laborers on the sides of buildings, people are dressed to the nines!

 

Black is MOST DEFINITELY the color of choice here.

When in doubt, wear black and lots of it.

I like to think that I dress relatively nicely.  I find myself planning my outfit the night before, something I haven’t done since…I don’t remember.  Luckily, all of the clothes that I brought are totally “in” here.  Especially the shoes.  Oh thank God.  The Lord knows I wouldn’t be able to afford a new shoe wardrobe in Italy.  No Way.

 

In a nutshell, how to dress in Italy:

-Black or Brown

-Leggings or skinny jeans

-Good Boots (Leather of course)

-Either a fitted leather jacket, knee length trench coat, or down jacket that has a belt that cinches at the waist

-SCARPE (Scarf) is a MUST MUST MUST HAVE.  AND, it MUST MUST MUST be a NEUTRAL color (black, gray, navy, beige, tan) Going out in public without a scarf is not acceptable!

-Great purse

-Great jewelry

 

Yikes. I better lock myself in a practice room for the majority of the day.

 

xOxo Michelle

-Adjustment Period-

Adjustment Period- In Full Effect

 

Domani (Tomorrow) marks the 7^th day that I have been “on my own” at this apartment.  In that time, I have done the following:

 

-Called over a repairman to tighten the sink pipes and fix the window hook that was mancati (missing)

-Slept in the cold (couldn’t figure out the thermostat here)

-Couldn’t figure out how to turn on the gas burners here…no morning java/cappuccino that first morning; instead, milk and water (not together)

-Cooked a 3 course lunch and dinner for a friend

-Not figured out the washing machine (Thank God my mom and I shoved in as much clothes as possible

-Not had spicy/taste-bud stimulating food =(

-Had constant issues with my internet key…it behaves horribly at the worst times possible

-Got lost on my way to the conservatorio

-Was too proud to take out the map that was readily available in my borsa (purse)

-Talked to God a LOT ❤ He and I are best buds.

-Tried to find a gym around here…there’s a huge one called the Acrobatic Fitness Club? It’s not nearby though…=[ I need a gym…NOW…

-Gotten a TV!!! Actually, mio amico got it for me and set it up.  I am the proud owner of a cute little television with approximately ten channels.  SCORE (not being sarcastic…really)

 

Observation: Jogging is not socially acceptable.  You will see the occasional male runner in tight spandex shorts on the non-existent sidewalks…ladies do not exercise in public.

 

I, being the American-Wannabe-Italian-Native, don’t want to do anything to not blend in and get the wrong kind of attention.

 

This upcoming weekend is Fulbright Orientation and I am looking forward to meeting the other 19 Fulbright Grantees.  I especially want know how everyone else’s experiences have been thus far.

 

At the mercato, there was a very peculiar looking verdure (veggie) that I kept staring at.  Each vendor seemed to have this mysterious looking creature.  It’s red, long, almost tie-dye like…

 

Of course I had to buy a bit…I bought a kilogram’s worth of this veggie…total came to about 2 euros…not bad

 

As soon as I got home, I googled it: Borlotti is the name! haha

I miss my friends and family back home so much =(

I read over my Fulbright Orientation Handbook, and read the “Past Experiences” section over and over again.  On average, it takes people about 2 months to adjust to their new city/surroundings.  I feel partially acclimated after 2 weeks; I am hoping that I will IMMERSE myself in this country, the people, and cultura and continue to be optimistic about this amazing God-given opportunity.

I am becoming one of those “practice 6 hours a day” musicians.  Never in my life (musical), have I been able to rehearse more than 3-4 hours a day.  I am sort of enjoying this, “semi-cave man” lifestyle.  Having limited internet access blows, but it forces me to focus on music, which is why I’m here, right? perhaps for the food too…

I am SOOO excited for December.  Early December, I have a performance in Roma featuring American Music (woot woot) Mid December, Winnie my BIGGIE will be here.  Late December, Paul will be here! January, MOMMMMMMYYY will be here!!! =D

 

xOxo Michelle

 

Venerdi in la bell’Italia

La verita (the truth)…The first 8 days were not easy.  A gazillion changes in the span of a few days…pazza (crazy).  It’s impossible to describe exactly how I felt, but I was on a major emotional roller coaster.  As of today, questa mattina (this morning, to be specific), I feel semi-Italian.

Ieri (yesterday), I went to the Galaxy (Italy’s version of Target) and bought some items I desperately needed: a pillow, a clock/radio (since I don’t have a TV), a hair dryer (since I fried the socket using my straightener all’albergo; I didn’t want to risk it with my dryer), a poster of a dog (Non so-I don’t know), flip flops, and a fleece throw.

 

Observation: Electronics are MOLTO CARO qui….I was appalled when the ragazza at the register said the final cost. Hint: A fraction of my monthly rent

 

Questa ragazza (This girl), io (me), can make pasta! =) In the following pictures, IGNORE (per favore) my outfit of choice for my Italian cooking adventures.  It was a cold day, and we did this after breakfast.    Yes, I am wearing my UMBC RecSports T-Shirt, weird PJ shorts, Gatti (Cat) slippers, an apron, and a yellow striped infinity scarf.  Don’t judge me. I promise I’m not going around Italy looking like this…or maybe I am… o__O

 

 

Ingredients:

Two kinds of flour (farina e qualcosa…something else)

3 Uove (egg)

Dash of salt

 

In a mixing bowl, add 2 cups of flour (quantity of each type, up to you), crack in the eggs, throw in a dash of SEA SALT (coarse kind), and MIX

MIX, MIX, MIX until the dough is malleable.  If it’s too wet, add more flour.  If it’s dry, throw in another egg (NOT WATER)

 

On a clean and dry surface, throw a generous layer of flour then take your big dough qualcosa (something), and place it in the center.

 

Using your mani (hands), cover them completely with flour (so nothing sticks) as well as the rolling pin.

The fun part, roll out the dough as flat as possible, flipping sides every so often.

 

When you have a nice LARGE flattened piece of pizza-crust like dough, wait 1 hour.

Go read a book. Go sleep. Do something.

 

After waiting, return to your masterpiece.  Grab one end and fold it into the circle, about 3 inches.  Keep folding until the entire circle becomes a long (lunga) rectangle.

Take a very sharp knife and cut the pasta “end” since it’s jagged and ugly, unless you want ugly pasta…

 

Cut into ½ inch strips.

 

Open the the strips to reveal a BEAUTIFUL piece of pasta!

Throw the strips of pasta onto a tray.  Throw some more farina on top so the pasta doesn’t stick to each other.

Boil for about 2-3 minutes!

 

VOILA!!!!! Holy shizzle…PASTA!

I am having a brain fart and can’t remember the name of the pasta…taglio..something..=\

 

 

Here are some pictures of my new apartment! =D

living room/kitchen area

kitchen and dining area

next room: bedroom with due lette (2 beds-one underneath!)

three closets! =D wish I could bring more clothes

practice area next to the window

toilette, bidet, and washing machine (excuse the hair dryer-ps no dryers in Italia)

Bathroom Sink, Shower

 

Not bad for my first apartment eh? Come visit me! =) I will cook for you,  and make you laugh to burn off the carbies

The Michelle Diet for the past 10 days=

50% carbs

10% protein

10% walking

10% espresso

20% being stressed/laughing at crappy situations

 

My skinny jeans are not creating a baby muffin =) sweet.

 

xOxo Michelle