Although I have heard stories about the amazing foods of Italy, it is completely different to experience the wonderful cuisine first hand.  To begin, the first day we had arrived in Italy was also the day I tried my first espresso.  Of course, I had been offered espresso plenty of times beforehand, but never being a coffee person, I always opted to stick with tea back in the States.  Deciding to take a bit of a risk, I promised myself I would try the coffee in Italy; more specifically, the espresso.  I think it’s safe to say I’m hooked.  If coffee tasted like this back in the US, I’d be in big trouble as far as my recommended daily caffeine intake is concerned.  I’ve also had the pleasure of trying oxtail for the first time as well, which was surprisingly flavorful, although tough to eat with the amount of bone and cartilage present.

Besides the coffee, the food is obviously incredible.  Surprisingly, certain soft drinks are as well.  By eliminating a lot of artificial preservatives and high fructose corn syrup from the food, it seems to take on a fresher, cleaner taste.  You can especially tell this when eating the tomatoes (I recommend everyone try the bruschetta at least once in their lifetime).  Even drinks like Fanta are completely different than in America, since they are made with real oranges and actual sugar.

The three dishes that I’ve enjoyed the most so far have been Spaghetti alla Vongole (clams and spaghetti), Penne all’Arrabbiata, and Spaghetti alla Carbonara.  Coming from an Italian family on one side, I’ve tried all of these back in the States.  However, it is completely different to experience these dishes in the country they originated in.  I won’t say they’re better than my family’s cooking, as I’m fully aware my parents will be reading this, but just being able to have the opportunity to try them here is amazing on its own.  I have no idea how I’m going to go back to food in the States!

By Peyton Macrina