How do you say in Italian "more gelato please!"

June 11th to June 14th

The first couple days of the program mostly took place in the classroom where students had the opportunity of learning the "theory" of the program content. From talking about ancient Rome and its founders (Romolus), the birth of the Impero Romano, and basically giving an overview of Rome's 3 thousand year old history, to learning Italian!

Participants learned basic Italian sentences and words, and were able to put their skills into practice on Wednesday, June 13th, when the students had the opportunity of sitting in an Italian Cafe (known as Bar) and order things like caffè, cappuccino, cornetto, cannoli, and more.  <<Vorrei un cappuccino e un cornetto alla crema, per favore.>> One participant had a sad yet enlightening moment when he ordered a “latte” and received a glass of just hot milk… because in Italian “latte” means milk, JUST milk.

On the same day, after eating our usual delicious buffet at Cantieri restaurant, the participants went to the famous Gelateria Fassi where not only they had the chance to eat d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s gelato, but they also had a private tour with the owner Andrea who showed and taught them how gelato is made and all the process/steps/techniques that go into gelato making. Participants made banana flavored gelato from scratch and also were able to taste it after a couple minutes. We were all super grateful for Andrea’s amazing explanation and willingness to share the amazing art of gelato making.

On June 14th the participants had Italian class in the streets of Rome, specifically in the grocery store inCoop and in the market plaza Campo di Fiori. The morning was focused on learning food and measurement related terms. In the afternoon the participants returned to the classroom and participated in a Roman mosaic workshop where they learned the basics of how to make mosaics.

Fun fact: There are water fountains (drinking water) all over Rome called Nasoni (literally translates to “big noses”)… there is a specific technique for drinking out of them… but I won’t tell you.

Our food situation: We have been eating A LOT... Italians are known just for having good food, but also for sitting at the table for long periods of time while eating lots of food. Although it doesn't happen in many households, it is custom for Italians to eat an apetizer (antipasto), a first course (primo piatto) which is usually pasta or rice, a second course (secondo piatto) which is usually meat and veggies, and lastly dessert (desert or dolce).