M. Northfell
 
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Buon Weekend a Tutti!

First off, I should just tell you that I lied to you all yesterday.  Our excursion today was NOT to a cheese farm (that is in a couple of weeks), but instead, we went to a wine vineyard where they make wine and olive oil!

Unfortunately, it was a rainy, rainy, rainy day so the few minutes we had to be outside we had to go fast and couldn't take as many pictures as we could've on a sunny day.  The view was a bit harder to see as the rainclouds covered a lot of the mountains. 

With that being said, it was still amazing to see how they get this amazing tasting wine (which of course we got to try)!  They showed us how they take the grapes and put them in these machines to ferment for about 15 days.  This is where the skin is peeled off from the grape and determines if you are making white or red wine.  Then they showed us the basement (wine cellar) where they keep BARRELS of wine for storage and to age.  It was absolutely incredible to see how much they have to do and to hear about how long the waiting process is! I will tell you, it is probably some of the best wine I have EVER had and since we got it from where it is produced, it was pretty cheap to buy some.  Unfortunately, being 20 years old, I can't make it thru United States customs with it and it would be about 40-50 Euro to ship it to everyone.  I guess this means you'll all have to come taste it for yourself!
  Though this is true, someone special will be receiving a bottle of white wine and someone else will be receiving a bottle of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (thanks mom and dad for everything you've done and ENJOY).  The visit ended with an absolutely delicious wine, salami, cheese, and bread & olive oil tasting!

The rest of the weekend is just full of hanging out and getting to know more people in our group.  I was told that 2 of my friends from growing up are in Florence right now (Stephen O'Brien and Connor Daly) so hopefully I can meet up with them at some point this weekend! This weekend also starts the Gelato Festival here in Florence.  Wish I could try every flavor without gaining weight, but that's just impossible.  I am absolutely certain that more opportunities and adventures will arise this weekend!


A più tardi!
Mary


On the agenda: Next weekend, Rome to see Aunt Maryanne and Mary Follino!