Italy

We made it to Italy. We arrived Wednesday in Milan, planning to train up to Lake Como...but as we got off the plane we saw people with Terra Madre signs, and ended up getting a free bus ride to Turin. Since we arrived a day early to Turin, we had no place to go, but ended up staying for free through the conference in the mountains. I forget the name Bardoneccia...or something. Sooo exhausted and hard to enjoy and meet people. I havent heard the word farm more times in simultaneous conversations ever in my life....and as I get more sleep I am more interested in everything.
Yesterday was the opening ceremony. Super inspirational, Vanadava Shiva was brilliant as well as Sam Levin (the 15 year old, super cute, kid who started his school garden). As well as, ofcourse, Carlo Patrini. (I almost got a picture with him today, as he was right next to me, but I was too shy...and he was getting pictures with lots of other people, I didnt want to bother him...)
but anway! Today was awesome! They moved Terra Madre right next to Salone Del Gusto so we were able to experience and appreciate both. We went to the USA meeting and heard all about what is going on in the states, which was inspiring and awesome as I didnt know so much is happening for the slow movement! The crowds are large which is also exciting as the movement is growing.
I love seeing all the different faces, all alight with excitement and wonder as they too are experiencing new things. Even if they are from Italy, everyone seems to enjoying themselves immensely. I then walked around Salone, tasting foods and wines. I had more wine today then I have ever in my life...which is still not really any. hahaha
but wow they were amazing! and I donàt like wine! This one guy named Luigi...SUCH an Luigi! Big guy, red in the face, slighlty sweating with excitement, red hair talked me into my first taste (without actually speaking english). Its supposed to perfect a fish dish. But it was soooooo great alone. I dont know the words you are supposed to use, but it made me feel happy inside. So did the chocolate tastes, the jams, the olive oils...pestos....so amazing! My tongue is experiencing new tastes it didnt know it had.
Even watching all the meat was fun, and the showing was so beautiful. I was surprised that seeing legs of animals everywhere wasnàt a turn off, but instead interesting.
Caitlin and I are trying to network with people to work on their farms, (hence a longer conversations with Luigi), but not really any luck. Most of the wine and olive oil people seemed to be bigger productions and had lots of workers already. But one guy seemed interested, which was exciting as he was the first guy we asked.... We will see what happens tomorrow.
We are staying in a couples apartement which is gorrgeous! I woke up today to the pitter patter of children running around outside and their little Italian voices echoing across the street. We ate pizza tonight and the couple helped us understand the menus better so we wont order meat...hopefully. We order the chocolate torte with chestnuts on top in honor of our professor lonnie gamble. ;D And now Camilla is taking us out to a bar for a bit. Tomorrow we stay with someone else....as of now couch surfing has been an amazing experience. Homestays are always the best way to enjoy a new culture and this way its free, although we did buy them some nice pesto at Salone.
Being in a new country, not knowing the language or the way of things is amazingly humbling. It makes you appreciate everything like a child, slow and innocent, yet slightly distant as well, as we have to be on guard all the time and alert. I love it. Im soaking it up, and feeling more alive everyday that I get more sleep.
Going out on the town!
Enjoy.