I don't think I've ever written about the supermarkets in Italy, so here it is: Supermarkets are not as popular with Italians as the open-air markets. Open-air markets are open every morning from 7am-1pm. Local farmers sell their products at the open-air market for cheap/competitive prices and in general the food is probably healthier. However, I'm too lazy to get up at 7am and by the time I do get up, it is time to rush to class. I usually shop at Di Per Di or Todis (another supermarket). When Americans think of supermarkets, we think of Safeway or Ralph's. Lots of aisles, lots of selections, lots of everything. For Italians, it is a one way winded path that zig-zags around the store to maximize space. Literally, there is only ONE WAY you can go. You must pass everything they offer in the store before you reach the checkout. By the way, they usually only have one or two checkouts open. (What's that all about?) You might think be thinking "that sounds like a big hassle" but Italian supermarkets are ridiculously small. I would say, probably a fourth of a Ralph's. Another thing I noticed is that they do not eat tv-dinners. They also do not sell pre-made cream sauce because you are expected to know how to cook. So far, I have also not seen any canned soups, which I have been craving (cream of mushroom? chicken noodle?).
In other news, I've been trying to upload photos but the internet in my apartment is wishy-washy at best. I better not insult it too much on my blog because it might stop working again. I am VERY excited that Mandy is coming to visit me for my birthday. We're planning on going to a ballet, Peer Gynt, and hopefully I will be able to bring her on my site visit at Hadrian's Villa.
In an ode to Mandy and her greatness, here are some pictures from London that are long overdue. She's been hounding me about these for a while, so here are a couple:
This was taken shortly after a lady was taken away in an ambulance. The little boy kept eyeing the guard until finally he told him to come over for a photo. However, the little boy looks rather unhappy. Taken at the Tower of London.
One picture for now, the internet refuses to upload any more photos. I promise to post a lot more soon, probably on Tuesday.
