The students are bravissimi! In Italian, that is to say, clever…skillful…talented…amazing!
We are shaking off our jet lag and jumping into farm life here at Pulicaro. On our first night, we were welcomed with an incredible cena (dinner) outside, under the horse chestnut tree.
Finally all together at the farm!
Our first time at the table together.
Dinner together.
On our first full day at the farm, the group completed its orientation to our home for the next few weeks. We developed a set of community agreements and explored the farm grounds, meeting a variety of animali (animals) and seeing the orto (vegetable garden).
Getting to know each other and building a solid team.
Within our circle of hands we have written what we want to include in our experience together, while on the outside are written the aspects we intend to leave out.
Completing our orientation, we took a look around to see what goes on at the farm. Marco showed us the livestock as well as the vegetable gardens that provide ingredients for the meals we will be preparing.
Together we get the lay of the land.
Yesterday we began our first rotazioni (rotations). Each day we alternate between working on the farm and in the kitchen laboratorio (workshop) to turn this land’s delicious, organic bounty into splendid meals for each other. One gruppo (group) spent the morning learning from Marco how to identify and harvest fresh zucchini, squash blossoms, sage, rosemary, and lettuce.
Look! A fresh zucchino!
We’re having a nice salad tonight!
Meanwhile, Chiara showed the second gruppo how to make a couple of types of fresh pasta for lunch and dinner.
This is how we make orecchiette, which means “little ears”. Many Italian pastas are named after the shapes they resemble.
Creating orecchiette from scratch!
This orecchiette al pesto is extra special. Mangiamo! (Let’s eat!)
Chiara is very proud of our students’ finished product! Time to eat!
We have been thrilled by the incredible food, people, and experiences that have already happened and are excited for what is yet to come!
Ciao a tutti! A presto,
– Liz & Michael